Leeds joins £66m national drive to expand UK’s nuclear expertise
New research investment will see Leeds help train more nuclear specialists as part of a UK-wide government initiative to transform the sector.
The University of Leeds is playing a key role in a major new national initiative to expand nuclear research and training, as part of the SATURN-II Doctoral Focal Award (DFA). The programme builds on the existing SATURN (Skills And Training Underpinning a Renaissance in Nuclear) Centre of Doctoral Training and forms part of the UK government’s wider plans to accelerate nuclear development and reduce costs.
Backed by £65.6 million in new funding from UK Research and Innovation, and matched by industry partners, the initiative will support more than 500 doctoral students over four years, quadrupling the current annual intake of nuclear PhD researchers. The funding spans seven research programmes across the UK and is designed to strengthen the pipeline of skilled scientists and engineers working in nuclear energy and national security.
Leeds is a full partner in the SATURN-II DFA, working alongside the University of Manchester as lead institution, as well as Bangor, Lancaster, Liverpool, Sheffield, and Strathclyde. Dr Timothy Hunter, Associate Professor in Chemical and Nuclear Engineering, is leading the University’s involvement.
At Leeds, the funding will support at least four doctoral studentships, with additional places funded by industrial partners, including Sellafield. These students will join the existing SATURN CDT cohort, increasing the University’s research capacity in this area.
The MULTIform water loop, in the Energy Building, is just one part of the complex machinery that will contribute to the government's push towards nuclear excellence.
Research activity at Leeds will focus on nuclear process engineering and fluid systems, drawing on facilities within the Leeds Institute for Fluid Dynamics and the Bragg Centre for Materials Research. This includes the use of MULTIForm and other advanced experimental and modelling platforms developed at the University.
The SATURN-II programme supports work across a range of areas, including advanced reactor components, nuclear waste management, innovative fuels and materials, and technologies linked to national security. The initiative reflects a broader effort to strengthen the UK’s energy resilience while contributing to long-term climate goals.
Dr Hunter said: “Leeds is proud to be a part of the existing SATURN CDT, which represents a critical focus of nuclear R&D in the north. The newly announced SATURN-II DFA will build on our existing strengths, expanding our partners to include Bangor University, and focusing on enhancing the UK's capabilities in next-generation nuclear power and defence.
“The strong record of the SATURN CDT has also shown that we are able to deliver on filling the critical skills gap in nuclear science, engineering and technology, helping the UK meet its Net Zero ambitions.”
