Dalton Nuclear Institute. Research Skills Impact.

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1 Dalton Nuclear Institute Research Skills Impact

2 Introduction from the Director The University of Manchester is one of the premier nuclear research and higher learning universities in the world. Its Dalton Nuclear Institute provides the prime focus for Manchester s capability across the full range of nuclear science and engineering, and has been awarded a prestigious Queen s Anniversary Prize in the Diamond Jubilee round of presentations for its internationally renowned research and skills training for the nuclear industry. The challenge of a safe and secure energy supply within a low carbon economy has created the environment for a renaissance in civil nuclear power that, in turn, has created a major opportunity for economic growth. The UK s new Nuclear Industrial Strategy aims to deliver growth through increasing UK delivery of its domestic nuclear programmes and by enhancing international engagement. Maximising this benefit for the UK requires new nuclear skills to be developed and research innovation to be applied. The University s Dalton Nuclear Institute is strengthening Manchester s delivery of new nuclear skills and research for current operating plant, new nuclear build, decommissioning and waste management, and fuel cycle services. The University, HM Government, research councils and industry have invested well in excess of 100 million over the last 10 years to establish The University of Manchester as the largest and most networked nuclear capability in UK academia. Research addressing the UK s new Nuclear R&D Roadmap is focussed within interdisciplinary research centres. The University's academic expertise, coupled with world-leading research facilities, is enabling us to pioneer fundamental and applied research across the full nuclear fuel cycle. Our new 20M Dalton Cumbrian Facility (DCF) is just one example of the outstanding new capability now available. Established as part of the National Nuclear User Facility, the DCF provides the gateway for access to the National Nuclear Laboratory Central Laboratory through the pioneering Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA)-University of Manchester agreement. Skills development is integrated with the UK s Nuclear Energy Skills Alliance Action Plan and ranges from our nuclear outreach programmes to schools and the wider public, through to the delivery of undergraduate courses and the leadership of postgraduate taught and research programmes, including the nuclear Centres for Doctoral Training in partnership with other universities. Developments in a new nuclear professional development programme (N-PDP) will establish a full through-life learning approach to delivering the next generation of suitably qualified and experienced personnel for the nuclear sector. Impact from research and skills development is contributing to delivery of the UK s Nuclear Industrial Vision Statement, and is channelled through our strategic partnerships with major nuclear stakeholder organisations in the UK and overseas. These include AMEC, AREVA, EDF, National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL), Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), Rolls-Royce, Sellafield Ltd and Westinghouse. Research agreements provide the focus for collaboration with international players across Europe, the USA, China, India, South Korea and Australia. The University has established the Innovus investment programme in partnership with NNL and Britain s Energy Coast to drive nuclear innovation through the supply chain, including Small and Medium Sized Enterprises. I hope you find the information within this brochure useful and if you would like any further information please do not hesitate to contact myself or any of our academic leaders. Professor Andrew Sherry Tel: +44 (0) andrew.sherry@manchester.ac.uk

3 1 Contents Background 2 Core Team 3 Research Centres and Programmes Dalton Cumbrian Facility 4 Materials Performance Centre 5 Centre for Radiochemistry Research 5 Modelling and Simulation Centre 6 Centre for Nuclear Energy Technology 6 Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre 7 Manufacturing Technology Research Laboratory 7 Thermal Hydraulics and CFD 8 Radiation Sciences 8 Nuclear Physics 9 Accelerator Science 9 Control and Instrumentation 10 Nuclear Engineering Decommissioning 10 Radwaste Disposal 11 Nuclear Environmental Microbiology 11 Manchester Business School 12 Biomedical Imaging Institute 12 Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre 12 Manchester: Integrating Medicine and Innovative Technology (MIMIT) 13 Radiation Epidemiology and Risk Assessment 13 Higher Learning and CPD 14 External Engagement 16

4 2 Dalton Nuclear Institute Background Named in honour of John Dalton, today the Dalton Nuclear Institute is a major driving force in nuclear research and skills development, building upon a distinguished history in nuclear sciences in the North West of England. John Dalton presented his atomic theory to the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society in A couple of decades later, he was present at the foundation of the Manchester Mechanics Institute, established in He later went on to become its Vice President between This Institute was eventually to become The University of Manchester, which since that time has hosted a number of notable nuclear scientists including: Ernest Rutherford who received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1908 for investigations into the disintegration of the elements and the chemistry of radioactive substances; Niels Bohr who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1922 for his fundamental contributions to understanding atomic structure and quantum mechanics; James Chadwick who graduated from the School of Physics and went on to spend the next two years with Rutherford. He was awarded a Nobel prize in 1935 for the discovery of the neutron; and John Cockcroft who studied Mathematics at The University of Manchester in 1914, and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1951 for pioneering work on the splitting of atomic nuclei. The joint Manchester and Liverpool Universities Research Reactor, a 300 kw Argonaut class reactor, operated between 1963 and In 1999 the Centre for Radiochemistry Research was established at Manchester as the first British Nuclear Fuels Ltd University Research Alliance, closely followed by the Materials Performance Centre in Today, the Dalton Nuclear Institute has over 100 academic staff delivering targeted nuclear research in current reactor operations, new nuclear build, decommissioning and waste management, and fuel cycle services. The Institute is delivering high-level skills and enhancing innovation through our strategic industrial partnerships. It is also fully engaged with HM Government, the National Nuclear Laboratory and industry in the development and delivery of the UK s Nuclear Industrial Strategy. The Institute s international links are strengthening research collaboration and skills development to support the global renaissance in low carbon nuclear energy.

5 3 Core Team The Dalton Nuclear Institute was established in 2005 to bring together and expand the University s nuclear capabilities in an interdisciplinary and collaborative manner. Today, the nuclear capability of The University of Manchester extends across the full nuclear fuel cycle including current operations, new nuclear build, decommissioning and waste management, and fuel cycle services. The Institute has a small core team which acts as the focus for all enquiries regarding nuclear research, skills development and impact. This team enhances the University s capability to build interdisciplinary teams across several Faculties, including Engineering and Physical Sciences, Medical and Human Sciences and also Humanities. Professor Andrew Sherry FREng Director andrew.sherry@manchester.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0) Professor Melissa A. Denecke Co-Director melissa.denecke@manchester.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0) Professor Francis Livens FRSC Director of Research francis.livens@manchester.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0) Adrian Parker Director of Operations adrian.parker@manchester.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0) Maria Marsh Executive Assistant to Director maria.marsh@manchester.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0) Vicky Plane Marketing Manager vicky.plane@manchester.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0) Georgina Lewis PA to Co-Director and Director of Operations georgina.lewis@manchester.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0) Najat Hussain Senior Finance Officer najat.hussain@manchester.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0) Sam Roberts Administrator samantha.roberts@manchester.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0)

6 4 Research Centres and Programmes Dalton Cumbrian Facility (DCF) The University of Manchester and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) have jointly invested 20 million to establish new research capabilities in Radiation Science and Nuclear Engineering Decommissioning centred in West Cumbria. The focus of this investment is the creation of a new research base for the University, the Dalton Cumbrian Facility (DCF), located in West Cumbria on the Westlakes Science and Technology Park. It incorporates experimental laboratories for radiation science, including irradiation facilities and associated analytical equipment and computer modelling stations, as well as office accommodation and seminar rooms for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) delivery. The irradiation facilities at the heart of the investment are: a 5MV tandem ion accelerator capable of supplying 10 MeV protons and 15 MeV helium ions as well as a variety of partially stripped heavy (eg metal) ions a self-shielded 60-Co gamma irradiator a controlled atmosphere chamber incorporating a low-energy electron gun. The analytic and surface equipment for the examination of irradiated materials includes chromatography - HPLC, GC, and IC; mass analysis - MS; spectrometry - IR, uv-vis; scattering - Raman and resonance Raman; and porosity and surface adsorption - BET. These chemistry techniques are complemented by a field emission gun environmental scanning electron microscope. Typical applications of the equipment include: measuring gas production, e.g. H2, O2, CO2 (GC) analyzing anions and cations in solution, e.g. Cl -, NO3 -, NO2 - (IC) measuring polymers and other organics (HPLC) standard optical absorption spectrometry and reflectance measurements (uv-vis) molecular structure (IR, Raman) surface analysis (Raman, FEG-ESEM). The University of Manchester's DCF along with the National Nuclear Laboratory Central Laboratory and the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy make up the UK National Nuclear User Facility. This project will see the investment of 5M in capital equipment at DCF, including the provision of a second ion accelerator - a 2.5MV single-ended machine - to supply protons and helium ions and allow the development of a dual beam irradiation capability. DCF is ideally situated at the heart of the UK nuclear industry and R&D capability. This provides an excellent location for industry-focussed research and mentoring delivered by leading nuclear experts from academia and industry. Professor Simon Pimblott Director, Dalton Cumbrian Facility Tel: +44 (0) simon.pimblott@manchester.ac.uk

7 5 Materials Performance Centre (MPC) The University of Manchester's MPC is the largest nuclear materials research centre in UK academia, with over 70 researchers and more than 30 million research income. Founded in 2002, the MPC is internationally-recognised as a premier interdisciplinary research centre focused on the critical issues controlling the behaviour of materials in various environments. Research within the MPC addresses all aspects of the nuclear life-cycle through the four key technical areas of Core Materials, Plant Materials, Fuel Materials and Waste Management Materials. The Centre brings together the expertise of over 30 academic staff across three Schools. These academics are field-leaders within a number of interdisciplinary, cross-cutting research themes, with particular strengths in the areas of: Centre for Radiochemistry Research (CRR) The chemical form of the radioactive elements is a key control on their behaviour in natural and engineered environments. Experimental work with radioactive materials, particularly high specific activity radioisotopes, is very demanding, and the CRR has unique facilities to support work with a range of highly active materials, including plutonium. To support its research, the CRR has a unique range of modern spectroscopic and analytical equipment, all in facilities which permit its use with highly radioactive materials. These include electronic, vibrational and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopes, colloid characterisation and a full suite of radiometric equipment. The laboratories include a suite of Controlled Area laboratories, together with the protocols for safe work with highly active materials. Environmentally-Assisted Cracking and Stress Corrosion Cracking Irradiation Damage and Embrittlement Structural Integrity Advanced Materials Characterisation and Analysis Welding and Residual Stress Analysis Quasi-Brittle Materials (inc. Cements and Nuclear Graphite) Zirconium Cladding Materials. The MPC has unique strengths in the areas of zirconium/fuel cladding materials with the UK s largest and most successful research group in this field, and in environmentally-assisted cracking with the largest autoclave test laboratory in UK academia. The MPC is actively involved in the development of an expansive range of high-specification equipment and facilities, with capabilities in: Advanced materials characterisation, including the Electron Microscopy Centre featuring an FEI Titan G S/TEM (procured by the MPC, the first of its kind in the UK) Materials processing techniques, including manufacturing and welding facilities Autoclaves, high-temperature creep facilities and mechanical testing Irradiation of materials, with the commissioning of the new Dalton Cumbrian Facility Training of the next generation of nuclear scientists. The MPC sustains strategic research partnerships and collaborations with a number of national and international stakeholders across the nuclear sector. The Centre has key links with: Environmental Radiochemistry The environmental radiochemistry research programme explores the form, transport and fate of radioactive isotopes in the environment. The topics we study include: development of novel analytical techniques for determination of ultra-trace concentrations in complex samples, the fate of anthropogenic nuclides from the Sellafield discharges, development of transport models to predict migration of radionuclides in the geosphere and interactions with microbial communities. Chemistry of Nuclear Waste Disposal In the UK over 50 years of civil and military nuclear power have left a complex legacy of waste. Government has decided that disposal underground will be the best way to manage this waste. Our research in this area includes: defining physical and chemical forms of radionuclides in old fuel storage ponds, assessing the performance of glass, ceramic and cement wasteforms, developing decontamination methods for contaminated steel and concrete surfaces and developing mechanistic speciation and transport models to support disposal safety cases. Actinide Coordination Chemistry This programme focuses on understanding radionuclide behaviour at the molecular level. We are presently studying: actinide polyoxometalte chemistry, dissolution of actinide materials (fuels and wasteforms), speciation in molten salts and ionic fluids, controlled hydrolysis and cluster formation in actinide systems and design of ligands for control of oxidation states. AMEC AREVA EDF and EDF Energy EPSRC National Nuclear Laboratory Rolls-Royce Vattenfall Westinghouse International and UK academia and research associations. Professor Grace Burke Director, Materials Performance Centre, School of Materials Tel: +44 (0) mpc@manchester.ac.uk Dr Nick Bryan Director, Centre for Radiochemistry Research, School of Chemistry Tel: +44 (0) nick.bryan@manchester.ac.uk

8 6 Modelling and Simulation Centre (MaSC) Centre for Nuclear Energy Technology (C-NET) The Modelling and Simulation Centre (MaSC) develops computational software tools and algorithms to model all aspects of the nuclear fuel cycle. Building on open-source software provided by EDF, and its strengths in computational fluid dynamics and turbulence modelling, the MaSC has extended its modelling capabilities to solid mechanics. Researchers are developing microstructure-informed models and simulations to investigate and predict fracture and damage in materials in nuclear environments. MaSC collaborates closely with other centres within the Dalton Nuclear Institute, such as the Research Centre for Radwaste and Decommissioning (RCRD), the Materials Performance Centre (MPC) and the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC). In the latest development, MaSC is extending its modelling capabilities into better understanding and prediction of the structural performance of welds. This is a highly multi-disciplinary problem, building upon conventional continuum mechanics predictions of the temperatures, deformation and stresses developed during welding, and extending into sophisticated multi-scale modelling of microstructural development, service ageing and structural integrity. This research leverages the facilities of the University s Manufacturing Technology Research Laboratory, the MPC and the Dalton Cumbrian Facility, along with long-term relationships with key industry players, such as EDF Energy and Rolls-Royce, Nuclear AMRC and with the EPSRC-funded New NUclear MANufacturing (NNUMAN) programme. The University established the Centre for Nuclear Energy Technology (C-NET) in C-NET is focused on nuclear reactor technology, helping to lead the research and capability development needed to ensure that the UK is able to successfully deploy a new generation of nuclear power stations, as well as continuing to support the safe operation of the country's existing nuclear fleet. C-NET is helping to develop the next generation of nuclear engineers and is enhancing links with the nuclear industry. It provides a significant research base in nuclear fuel and reactor technology, building on The University of Manchester s existing capabilities in materials performance, computational fluid dynamics, applied nuclear physics and structural integrity. Research undertaken by C-NET includes contributions from the following centres and groups at the University: Centre for Radiochemistry Research Materials Performance Centre Modelling and Simulation Centre Nuclear AMRC Nuclear Graphite Expert Group Applied Nuclear Physics Group SPRIng Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research The extended safe operation of the existing nuclear fleet, the engineering of new reactors, and the design of advanced Generation IV plant are critical to maintaining an affordable, low carbon and secure energy supply. C-NET exists to meet the research demands of the UK and international nuclear energy industry by providing facilities and expertise to leading industry bodies and government regulators. Research focuses on reactor physics (investigations into how the reactor core will perform), materials performance (gaining advanced understanding of ageing, corrosion and irradiation-induced deterioration), control and instrumentation (development of digital control systems for advanced reactors) and improving fuel performance (understanding performance of fuels when pushed to higher burn-up levels). C-NET also supports the R&D requirements of next generation naval propulsion systems. Key experimental facilities cover flow testing, microstructural examination and fuel technology, as well as reactor physics analysis. In addition to the engineering and scientific aspects associated with reactor technology, C-NET focuses on the economic, management and socio-political side of nuclear energy, including risk perception, environmental impact and life-cycle assessment, and project delivery. Professor John Yates Tel: +44 (0) john.r.yates@manchester.ac.uk Professor Mike Smith Tel: +44 (0) mike.c.smith@manchester.ac.uk Professor Tim Abram Tel: +44 (0) tim.abram@manchester.ac.uk

9 7 Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC) Manufacturing Technology Research Laboratory The Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC) is a collaboration of academic and industrial partners from across the field of nuclear manufacturing, which combines industry expertise and university innovation to improve capabilities and performance along the UK nuclear supply chain. Part of the UK Government s High Value Manufacturing Catapult initiative, and based in a large state-of-the-art facility on the Advanced Manufacturing Park on the Sheffield/Rotherham border, its three key work areas are: Manufacturing Process R&D Working with the UK nuclear manufacturing supply chain to develop the technical capability to compete on cost, quality and delivery. Quality Requirements Giving manufacturers clarity and knowledge on nuclear codes and standards, and helping them meet and exceed these requirements. Training and Skills Development Ensuring that the nuclear manufacturing supply chain has the skills required to compete in the global market. Led by the University of Sheffield and supported by The University of Manchester, Nuclear AMRC features full-scale R&D, including welding and joining, assembly, machining, Hot Isostatic Pressing and NDT up to prototype demonstration. The University's Manufacturing Technology Research Laboratory provides extensive manufacturing process, component testing and analytical research facilities. This 8 million laboratory expansion has created a new world-class research facility dedicated to improving manufacturing processes and systems. These facilities are used in research programmes such as NNUMAN (New NUclear MANufacturing), for providing support to industry, for postgraduate training and in supporting a number of non-nuclear activities. The Manufacturing Technology Research Laboratory houses a range of state-of-the-art equipment including: Laser machining cutting, welding and cladding centres, plus a laser picosecond machining centre TIG and submerged arc cladding welding machines An extensive suite of tensile testing machines and autoclaves, including a range of high temperature materials testing equipment Two Electro-Discharge Machines for specimen manufacture and preparation Electron beam and X-ray analytical facilities. Work in the laboratory focuses on three key areas in nuclear engineering and manufacturing: new materials processing, welding and joining, and surface technology. Research in each area is underpinned by detailed analytical characterisation, thermo-mechanical testing in simulated nuclear power station environments (of temperature, pressure and water chemistry), and computer modelling and simulation. These approaches are used to ensure that the technologies under development are optimised and appropriate for manufacturing nuclear components to the highest standards of safety and longevity. The scope of work undertaken by the Manufacturing Technology Research Laboratory is extended through our access to some of the world s most advanced nuclear research facilities, including the University s own Dalton Cumbrian Facility where research is focused on the potentially damaging effects of radiation on a wide range of materials. Dr Neil Irvine Tel: +44 (0) neil.irvine@manchester.ac.uk Dr Neil Irvine Tel: +44 (0) neil.irvine@manchester.ac.uk

10 8 Thermal Hydraulics and CFD Radiation Sciences Manchester has a long tradition in heat and fluid flow research, dating back to the end of the 19th century with Osborne Reynolds. Today, The University of Manchester has strong research groups in computational and experimental fluid mechanics, with an international reputation in both turbulence modelling and experimental thermal hydraulics. Research encompasses fundamental fluid mechanics and the engineering constraints that dictate practical, commercial and regulatory viability of new technologies and systems for the nuclear industry. In the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) area, research expertise includes the mathematical modelling of turbulence through a range of methodologies, the modelling of near-wall turbulence, the simulation of forced, natural and mixed convection flows, the simulation of pulsated and unsteady turbulent flows, conjugate heat transfer and fluid structure interactions. In the experimental thermal hydraulics area, research expertise includes the use of diagnostic techniques such as hot-wire anemometry, laser-doppler anemometry and particle image velocimetry, the thermo-chromic liquid crystal technique, and flow visualisation methods. Experimental facilities include internal flow-forced convection rigs with either air or water as working fluids, a large scale differentially-heated tall cavity for natural convection, a high pressure/high temperature test facility and a large-scale general-purpose facility provided by the Centre for Nuclear Energy Technology. Research activities are funded by EPSRC, EDF and EDF Energy. The CFD and thermal hydraulics groups offer specialist undergraduate and postgraduate modules in the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering (MACE). These include Advanced Computational Fluid Dynamics, Advanced Turbulence Modelling, Advanced Heat Transfer and Advanced Experimental Methods. The Radiation Sciences programme performs research at the forefront of the fields of radiation chemistry and physics, and of radiation damage to materials, thereby providing worldleading expertise to the nuclear industry, especially in the areas of decontamination and decommissioning, and nuclear waste management, treatment and storage. A multi-pronged approach, employing experiments in conjunction with simulation and theory, is used to investigate fundamental radiationinduced processes that underlie the problems encountered in the stewardship of radioactive materials, in the lifetime extension of operating nuclear power plant and in the development of advanced nuclear systems. Research topics include: Effects of Radiation on Polymers Polymers are encountered in many environments throughout the nuclear portfolio. There are concerns about their physical and chemical degradation, and about the production of potentially explosive and corrosive gases such as H2 and HCl. In addition, it has been suggested that composite polymers decompose in an irradiation field to release liquid organics which can then act as a transport medium for radionuclides and provide a route to the biosphere. Radiolysis of Water-Ceramic Oxide and Water-PuO2 Mixed-Phase Systems There is significant radiationinduced chemistry between oxide particulates and adsorbed water and hydrocarbons. This chemistry is a complicating factor for (long-term) management and storage of the UK s plutonium stockpile and nuclear waste materials. This work is being carried out in collaboration with the National Nuclear Laboratory. Radiation Chemistry of Water-Cement Systems Grouting of radioactive wastes is the generally accepted immobilisation and packaging method for nuclear waste, but a number of complicated questions remain concerning the energy transfer from the solid matrix to water, the presence of reducing agents and of nitrate in wastes and the effect of long-term irradiation. Water Coolant Chemistry Water is a common coolant and shield material, and is constantly exposed to mixed radiation fields producing, amongst other substances, H2 and O2; however, the effects of small amounts of colloids, of metal surfaces and impurities, including other atmospheres, are poorly characterised. Radiation-induced Corrosion The role of radiolysis in the corrosion of metals is central to challenges across the nuclear power portfolio from plant operation to the long-term storage of wastes. A better mechanistic understanding of many radiation-assisted corrosion phenomena, important for predicting long-term safety, is needed. Professor Hector Iacovides School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering Tel: +44 (0) h.iacovides@manchester.ac.uk Professor Simon Pimblott School of Chemistry Tel: +44 (0) simon.pimblott@manchester.ac.uk

11 9 Nuclear Physics Accelerator Science The University of Manchester has a long and well established history in nuclear physics research, starting with the pioneering experiments of Ernest Rutherford in the early years of the 20th century. It was at Manchester that Rutherford demonstrated the existence of the atomic nucleus using alpha-particle scattering experiments and performed the first demonstration of nuclear transmutation. The Nuclear Physics Research Group at The University of Manchester is one of the largest in the UK. The group consists of eight academic staff with a variety of research interests within the general area of experimental and theoretical nuclear physics. The experimental areas include the structure and properties of exotic nuclei, nuclear isomers and fission fragments using gamma-ray-, particle- and laser-spectroscopy techniques. Most of the experimental work is carried out at major international facilities, such as at Argonne National Laboratory (USA), Jyväskylä (Finland), CERN (Switzerland), GANIL (France), GSI (Germany), and the ILL reactor at Grenoble (France). The group is active in the major international initiatives for new radioactive nuclear ion beams facilities such as HEI-ISOLDE at CERN, FAIR (Facilty for Antiproton and Ion Research) at GSI and SPIRAL2 at GANIL. In addition to the above programmes of fundamental nuclear physics research, the group has considerable expertise in applied nuclear physics. The group are members of the neutron Time-of-Flight (ntof) collaboration at CERN, the Neutron for Science project at GANIL and the TAS project, all of which provide nuclear data that help to underpin the computer codes used in the nuclear power industry. The group develops new nuclear detectors, such as STEFF, a world-leading fission-fragment spectrometer designed and constructed at The University of Manchester, which uses state-of-the-art digital electronics and multiple detector systems to provide data for both pure and applied nuclear physics. The presence of the Nuclear Physics Research Group in the School of Physics and Astronomy allows it to offer many popular nuclear-related core and option modules on undergraduate and postgraduate (MSc, EngD, PhD) programmes. The School also provides well-equipped nuclear laboratories for undergraduate practical work, MPhys project work and postgraduate training. The University of Manchester Accelerator Science group is based in the School of Physics and Astronomy and is also part of the Cockcroft Institute for Accelerator Science and Technology at Daresbury. The group's activities encompass the design and operation of accelerators at energies from the MeV HEI-Isolde radioactive beam accelerator to the TeV LHC collider, with different beam particles and for many different purposes. The Accelerator Science group is one of the leading UK teams working with the STFC ASTeC group and the CONFORM project in the construction of a prototype FFAG machine, EMMA, at Daresbury. The work extends to the interaction of particle beams with matter and facility gantry design. The group plays a leading part in the ThorEA organisation which acts as a forum for those interested in all aspects of Thorium, including reactor design and fuel processing. The group is also investigating the production of isotopes for medical purposes by specific accelerator/target systems to act as replacement sources as the number of research reactors falls. Education is provided through the lecture series on accelerator science organised at the Cockcroft Institute and through student projects at many levels. Professor Jonathan Billowes School of Physics and Astronomy Tel: +44 (0) j.billowes@manchester.ac.uk Dr Rob Appleby School of Physics and Astronomy Tel: +44 (0) robert.appleby@manchester.ac.uk

12 10 Control and Instrumentation Nuclear Engineering Decommissioning The University of Manchester's School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering has a broad and deep research portfolio, many aspects of which are cognate with the general area of nuclear energy research and training. Areas of this portfolio that are relevant to nuclear power include component condition monitoring, remote and intelligent data acquisition systems, imaging, tomography, autonomous sensor agents combined with wireless sensing and communications, fibre-optic based sensing and monitoring, advanced real-time signal processing and sensor data fusion, industrial control systems design and fault detection. The Control Systems Group is one of six research groups within the School. It has a long-established international reputation for its multidisciplinary research in control and systems engineering. Recently it has made significant contributions in both the theory and practice of chemical process control and plant monitoring. These activities are directly relevant to both nuclear power generation and nuclear decommissioning. An example of on-going research is in the area of non-destructive testing (NDT). The group is working with EDF Energy to deploy the best possible NDT techniques for inspection of graphite moderator bricks within its fleet of advanced gas cooled reactors (AGRs). A particular focus of the research is to pioneer new, advanced eddy current methods using multifrequency and tomographic inversion approaches, as these appear to offer an interesting new solution to this problem. In addition, similar techniques are being used for the inspection of high temperature steels used in the power industry. The University's Nuclear Engineering Decommissioning initiative is focussed on reducing the liability for future generations associated with the decommissioning of UK nuclear plant. Nuclear Engineering Decommissioning involves the pursuit of leading-edge fundamental and applied research to deliver understanding and innovative solutions to the challenges facing the nuclear decommissioning industry from post-operational clean-out to (but not including) disposal. The vision for the Nuclear Engineering Decommissioning research group is to provide a key contribution to the UK decommissioning strategy by developing a multi-disciplinary approach that includes an understanding of: Structural assessment and materials performance Operational research Waste characterisation Innovative technologies such as robotics and autonomous systems Radiochemistry and species migration Environmental impact assessment. A balance of theoretical and experimental research into mechanical, electrical, civil and chemical engineering supports wider perspectives of sustainability and technology transfer. Decommissioning is not unique to the nuclear industry so the group actively incorporates contributions from other industries, including the oil and gas and pharmaceutical industries. Making extensive use of the University's Dalton Cumbrian Facility, and the NNL engineering rig halls in Workington, means that the activity is at the heart of the UK s decommissioning liability and ensures access to the best experience and capability. Professor Barry Lennox School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Tel: +44 (0) barry.lennox@manchester.ac.uk Professor Barry Lennox School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering Tel: +44 (0) barry.lennox@manchester.ac.uk

13 11 Radwaste Disposal The UK is committed to the deep geological disposal of its nuclear waste legacy. These wastes have resulted from 60+ years of nuclear fuel cycle operations and include some highly challenging materials. Developing and implementing a safe underground geological disposal facility (GDF) for these highly radioactive wastes is vital. Through a generous endowment from the former British Nuclear Fuels Limited (BNFL), the University has established a centre for research into radioactive waste disposal. Researchers at the centre are actively pursuing state-of-the-art research into geodisposal and providing scrutiny of the evolving geodisposal concepts that are developing in the UK. Active research cuts across the multi-barrier systems that form the fundamental components of any geological disposal facility and includes: The biogeochemistry of radioactive wastes Environmental radiochemistry Environmental mineralogy in relation to geodisposal Wasteform stability Engineering concepts for wasteform containers Radiolysis effects on GDF relevant materials Geomicrobiology Meso-scale modelling of GDF relevant materials. Nuclear Environmental Microbiology The Geomicrobiology Group, based in the University's Williamson Research Centre for Molecular Environmental Science and housed within the School of Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences, has an established track record studying microbial interactions with radioactive elements. The group collaborates closely with several Dalton Nuclear Institute groups, and conducts multidisciplinary research into the mechanisms and environmental impact of metal and radionuclide biotransformations. A diverse range of techniques are used including microbiology, biochemistry, genomics, mineralogy, surface science, computation and spectroscopy. The group has produced more than 150 publications over the last decade, many focusing on the biogeochemical cycling of actinides and fission products, and has excellent collaborative links with other specialist laboratories in the US, Europe and Asia. Both fundamental and applied projects are ongoing, including work on the following: The impact of microbiology on nuclear plant management Bioremediation of radionuclide contaminated land Radiation tolerance of microbial communities The impact of microbial metabolism on radwaste geodisposal (including gas and radionuclide biogeochemistry) The biodegradation of radionuclide chelating agents Extremophile microbiology The biomineralisation of radionuclides Plant-microbe-radionuclide interactions. Professor Katherine Morris Professor of Environmental Radiochemistry, BNFL Research Chair in Geological Disposal School of Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences Tel: +44 (0) katherine.morris@manchester.ac.uk Professor Jon Lloyd School of Earth, Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences Tel: +44 (0) jon.lloyd@manchester.ac.uk

14 12 Manchester Business School (MBS) Biomedical Imaging Institute The University's Manchester Business School (MBS) is one of the largest full-service business schools in Europe, providing undergraduate, postgraduate and executive education in all areas of business and management. Original thinking applied MBS is known for its socio-technical, multi-disciplinary approaches to problem solving. Research strengths and skills of particular interest to Dalton Nuclear Institute include: Behavioural studies and human reliability Decision analysis Finance, foresight and innovation studies Knowledge management Operations management Project management Public and private sector governance Responsible research and innovation Risk communication and management Supply chain management Sustainability. MBS is home to the Decision and Cognitive Sciences research centre (DCS) which has an international reputation in multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA). The DCS has undertaken research and consultancy projects relating to assessing nuclear waste repository options, decommissioning of nuclear reactors and nuclear emergency response, as well as risk, safety and security studies, and public participation in a broad range of applications. The MBS Centre for Infrastructure Development (CID), a collaborative venture with Constructing Excellence, has worked with the Dalton Nuclear Institute and the Nuclear AMRC on a study of the nuclear industry supply chain in the UK to guide local and national strategies to capitalise on the business growth opportunities in the sector. The Biomedical Imaging Institute (BII) is a hub for interdisciplinary research across The University of Manchester. It encourages the use of multi-modal imaging techniques for biomedical research, the development of new imaging methods and the integration of pre-clinical and clinical imaging. Members of the Institute have particularly strong expertise in the development of new imaging methods and techniques, neuroimaging and cancer imaging. They also have an expanding portfolio of research activity in areas such as paediatric, lung and cardiovascular imaging. Geoff Parker Director, Biomedical Imaging Institute Imaging Science and Biomedical Engineering Tel: +44 (0) geoff.parker@manchester.ac.uk Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre The University of Manchester's Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre, based at The Christie, one of Europe's leading cancer centres, is a state-of-the-art research facility for pre-clinical and clinical studies using multi-modality imaging. The Centre houses the University s Positron Emission Tomography facility, one of the University s 1.5T MRI scanners and a radiotracer development programme. The Centre, which forms part of the University's Manchester Cancer Research Centre, aims to become one of the most advanced clinical imaging research facilities in the world and encourages collaboration between academia and industry to drive innovation in medical imaging. Dr Phil Gamlen Tel: +44 (0) phil.gamlen@mbs.ac.uk Dr Nadia Papamichail (Information and Decision Sciences) Tel: +44 (0) nadia.papamichail@mbs.ac.uk Professor Alan Jackson Director, Wolfson Molecular Imaging Centre Tel: +44 (0) alan.jackson@manchester.ac.uk

15 13 Manchester: Integrating Medicine and Innovative Technology (MIMIT) Radiation Epidemiology and Risk Assessment MIMIT is a partnership between The University of Manchester, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Salford Clinical Commissioning Group, Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, UMIP (The University of Manchester's commercialisation company) and TRUSTECH (the Northwest NHS Innovation Hub). The aim of MIMIT is to develop innovative medical technology-based solutions to address validated unmet clinical needs, by facilitating collaborations between clinicians, academic scientists, engineers, designers and industry partners. The process begins with an unmet clinical need and is designed to deliver actual patient benefit. It is market-led, and the unmet need can be introduced to MIMIT via the nuclear industry as well as from the clinical community. The unmet need is validated through MIMIT s extensive clinical network and the information obtained used as the basis for solution finding. MIMIT draws in expertise across a range of disciplines to ensure that projects arising from this process develop the best and most innovative ideas. Access to rapid prototyping capabilities including nanofabrication technology, operating to industry standards of project management and design control ensure that project activities are efficient and productive and outputs are compliant and high value. Expert intellectual property resources identify protectable project outputs and an understanding of the freedom to operate constraints. MIMIT sponsors projects and can maximise the value of nuclear industry contributions. In addition it acts as gate-keeper and facilitator to securing follow-on research council, medical technology venture capital and Government funding. Debate continues over the risks to health posed by low-level exposure to radiation, particularly since the 2011 accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power plant in Japan. Progress in the proper understanding of these risks will only be made by conducting appropriate studies and a balanced interpretation of scientific evidence. Professor Richard Wakeford has made significant contributions to the assessment of these risks and has particular expertise in radiation epidemiology. He is a member of national and international expert groups (including the UK Committee on Medical Aspects of Radiation in the Environment (COMARE) and Committee 1 of the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP)), has written extensively on the subject (including many papers in peer-reviewed literature), and is currently Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Radiological Protection. Professor Jackie Oldham Director, Manchester Integrating Medicine and Innovative Technology (MIMIT) Tel: +44 (0) jackie.oldham@manchester.ac.uk Professor Richard Wakeford richard.wakeford@manchester.ac.uk

16 14 Higher Learning and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Undergraduate Education The interdisciplinary nature of the Dalton Nuclear Institute is reflected in the numerous opportunities for students to choose nuclear-related modules, or to undertake nuclear project work, as part of their undergraduate syllabus. This industry focus prepares an undergraduate student for a career in the nuclear industry or to pursue postgraduate studies or research in the nuclear field. Nuclear Technology Education Consortium (NTEC) The Nuclear Technology Education Consortium (NTEC), a consortium of leading UK universities offering an MSc in Nuclear Science and Technology, is co-ordinated by The University of Manchester in partnership with nine other UK universities and higher education institutions and encompasses over 90% of the nuclear postgraduate teaching expertise in the UK. This programme offers a comprehensive range of topics for study and is structured in modular format, making it highly suitable for engineers in full-time employment who can undertake a full programme leading to a recognised qualification, or study individual modules for CPD purposes. Key features of the programme: Broad portfolio - reactors, clean-up, fusion, environmental, policy Short fat modular structure Suitable for part-time students Suitable for CPD for employees in industry Specifically developed to meet the needs of industry Individual modules available. Nuclear FiRST Nuclear fission technology is an essential component of current and future UK energy and defence strategy. Also as part of its nuclear strategy, the UK Government has embarked on a decades-long programme to clean up its legacy nuclear sites. The UK will need expertise in the physics, chemistry, materials science and environmental behaviour of radionuclides for many years to come, but there is an acute shortage of trained nuclear scientists to rebuild high level nuclear skills in the UK. Therefore, the EPSRC has supported the establishment of Nuclear FiRST with a 7.1 million investment. The Doctoral Training Centre, a collaboration between the Universities of Manchester and Sheffield, specifically aims to attract top quality students into the field and start them on the path to international scientific leadership by providing them with a balanced portfolio of scientific and professional expertise at doctoral level, and equipping them to tackle long-term strategic challenges whether from Government, regulators, industry or academia. The Nuclear Engineering Industrial Doctorate Centre The Nuclear EngD provides outstanding young graduate engineers and scientists with intensive, broadly based doctoral training in collaboration with industrial companies to provide the next generation of technical leaders for the nuclear industry. The Nuclear Engineering Industrial Doctorate Centre is a partnership led by The University of Manchester and Imperial College and supported by the Universities of Birmingham, Lancaster, Leeds, Sheffield, Strathclyde and Surrey. Members of the consortium are: the Universities of Birmingham, Imperial, Lancaster, Leeds, Liverpool, London City, Manchester, Sheffield and UCLAN, and the Defence Academy.

17 15 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and Executive Education There is an urgent need to accelerate the development of higher-level skills for the nuclear sector and The University of Manchester, through its Dalton Nuclear Institute, is leading this agenda within the UK Nuclear Energy Skills Alliance, working with HM Government, the National Skills Academy for Nuclear and other skills bodies. In collaboration with our academic and industrial partners, we are developing and delivering a strategy that: Accelerates the development of Suitably Qualified and Experienced Personnel (SQEP) Develops the next generation of Subject Matter Experts and technical leadership Captures, manages and transfers knowledge to the next generation. In line with this strategy, the Dalton Nuclear Institute is delivering bespoke programmes of nuclear CPD and Executive Education to help address the growing national/international nuclear skills agenda. Building on the University's successful project management Professional Development Programme, new Masters level courses are being developed in partnership with industry to accelerate the growth in nuclear SQEP that will draw on the combined nuclear knowledge at the University and within industry. Executive Education programmes are developed on a case-by-case basis to meet the needs of senior business leaders. For further information on education and CPD opportunities please contact: Professor Andy Gale Director of Nuclear Professional Development Tel: +44 (0) andrew.gale@manchester.ac.uk Professor Jonathan Billowes Head, Nuclear Physics Group Tel: +44 (0) jon.billowes@manchester.ac.uk Dr David Stanley EngD Centre Manager Tel: +44 (0) david.stanley@manchester.ac.uk Mrs Mel McLoughlin Acting Manager of Nuclear Programmes Tel: +44 (0) mel.young@manchester.ac.uk

18 16 External Engagement Partnerships The University of Manchester's Dalton Nuclear Institute is committed to developing effective strategic partnerships to maximise the benefit of research and skills development for national and international nuclear stakeholders. This includes collaboration with Government and learned societies, industry and other universities. Close links with Government departments and learned societies ensures the academic strengths of the University help shape and deliver the Nuclear Industrial Strategy. A member of the Nuclear Industrial Council and the Nuclear Energy Skills Alliance, the University is ensuring that research leadership and nuclear skills development enhances the UK contribution to its domestic programmes and also strengthens the UK s position as a top table nuclear nation. Industrial partnerships enable a longer-term view to be taken on innovation and skills. Partnerships, including those with AMEC, AREVA, National Nuclear Laboratory (NNL), EDF, Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), Rolls-Royce (Nuclear University Technology Centre), Sellafield Ltd (Decontamination and Effluent Treatment Centre of Expertise) and Westinghouse, are enhancing innovation in industry and the recruitment of high-level skills. The Institute is a member of the Nuclear Industry Association and the National Skills Academy for Nuclear. The partnership with the NDA has established the Dalton Cumbrian Facility (DCF) in West Cumbria with a unique set of facilities for radiation science and engineering decommissioning research. In addition to forming part of the National Nuclear User Facility, alongside NNL Central Laboratory and the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy, DCF provides third party access for academics to utilise the world-leading facilities in the NNL Central Laboratory. The Innovus initiative, created through the University s partnership with NNL and supported by Britain s Energy Coast and the NDA, aims to bridge the gap between research and marketable technology by offering access to specialist development facilities, funding and technical and business expertise.

19 17 The Dalton Nuclear Institute is engaged in well over 30 collaborations with UK Universities supported through Research Council, industrial and European grants. These include Imperial College (London), and the Universities of Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Lancaster, Leeds, Oxford, Sheffield, Strathclyde and Surrey. Core programmes include the Nuclear Industrial Doctoral Centre (in partnership with Imperial College), and the Nuclear Fission Research, Science and Technology Doctoral Training Centre (Nuclear FiRST DTC) and the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (both in partnership with the University of Sheffield). International collaborations are in place with ANSTO (Australia), AREVA (France), BARC (India), Battelle Memorial Institute (USA), EDF (France and UK), Idaho National Laboratory (USA), the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (South Korea), Tsinghua University (China), and Westinghouse (USA, Sweden and UK). These provide an international dimension to Dalton s research and access to international facilities including, for example, the INL Advanced Test Reactor for irradiation experiments, and facilities at the US Universities of Notre Dame and Wisconsin. Public Outreach Dalton Nuclear Institute is involved in a diverse range of successful outreach activities for schools, teachers and the wider public through various research programmes, such as the 'So you think you know about nuclear energy?' programme funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). Outreach initiatives include attendance at popular science fairs, such as The Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers Fair, and other events on a local, regional and national level where our interactive exhibits have been enjoyed by thousands of visitors. The Institute has developed effective tools to support schools and teachers as they cover scientific, societal and sustainability topics related to nuclear energy. Our nuclear reactor simulator game engages many visitors to our stands and our energy card game is extremely popular with both teachers and pupils alike. We run programmes to engage with school children from primary school level through to sixth form, as well as delivering public lectures for interest groups and the general public. Professor Andrew Sherry Director, Dalton Nuclear Institute Tel: +44 (0) andrew.sherry@manchester.ac.uk Miss Vicky Plane Marketing Manager Tel: +44 (0) vicky.plane@manchester.ac.uk