Imperial: new centre for nuclear science and engineering research and training opens

Imperial College London and Rolls-Royce, the power systems company, have opened the Rolls-Royce Nuclear University Technology Centre (UTC), which will specialise in research and training in nuclear technology.

The Centre will provide a focal point for the Faculty of Engineering and Rolls-Royce to further research in nuclear civil power and submarines. This will including improving fuel performance, so that reactors can run more efficiently, and developing better methods for monitoring the performance of nuclear reactors, which are subjected to harsh conditions such as radiation and extreme temperatures.

Students at Imperial will also benefit from the creation of the UTC, which will act as a conduit for students interested in a career in the nuclear industry, giving them better access to experts, industrial facilities and summer placements at Rolls-Royce.

Stephen Richardson, Principal of the Faculty of Engineering and Deputy Rector of the College, said, “Imperial has a long tradition of nuclear engineering research and teaching in close partnership with Rolls-Royce. The establishment of the UTC in nuclear technology is a natural extension of this important partnership. The new Centre will establish more links with Rolls so that our students, who are the next generation of nuclear engineers, can get better access to valuable industry training and expertise, which is so vital in getting students ready for the needs of business when they graduate.

“The UTC will also provide a new hub - a focal point – for academics and Rolls-Royce staff to collaborate on new research in nuclear engineering projects.”