A new generation of nuclear scientists and engineers to support the UK’s energy, national security and net zero objectives will train at the University of Liverpool, through two projects newly funded via a £65.6 million Doctoral Focal Awards Nuclear Skills call.
The Doctoral Focal Award, which is match funded by industry and delivered by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), will deliver up to 6 new Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs).
Professor Laura Harkness, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Head of the Faculty of Science & Engineering said: “We are delighted with these two major awards and look forward to playing a leading role in building the nuclear workforce of the future. At its core, our work in this area will be key to embedding sustainability and innovation into the nation’s energy infrastructure, boosting UK growth.”
The University of Liverpool will lead a new DFA in Radiation Protection, Nuclear Safety and Environmental Sustainability (RAPTOR). RAPTOR will deliver a new doctoral training programme focused on radiation protection, environmental sustainability and nuclear safety, aiming to produce 80 highly trained and motivated researchers who can deliver practical solutions across the civil and defence nuclear sectors. Consortium partners include the University of Manchester’s Dalton Nuclear Institute, the University of Suffolk, and the University of Surrey, working with partners from the nuclear energy and security sectors.
Professor Andrew Boston, University of Liverpool lead on RAPTOR said: “This Doctoral Focal Award translates the expertise developed in our fundamental nuclear science research programmes to address key skills gaps identified by the UK government. We are delighted to work with partners across the nuclear sector to deliver the next generation of highly skilled graduates that are required to meet the UK’s future ambitions in Nuclear Science.”
The University is also a partner in the Skills and Training Underpinning a Renaissance in Nuclear (SATURN-2) programme, which will run parallel to the successful SATURN CDT.
SATURN-2 aims to train large cohorts of doctoral researchers who are equipped to move directly into roles across the civil nuclear sector and beyond and will welcome its first cohort of students in October 2026.
The programme will be delivered by the Universities of Liverpool, Manchester, Lancaster, Leeds, Bangor, Sheffield and Strathclyde, alongside a wide range of industrial and government partners.
University of Liverpool researchers will contribute expertise in reactor physics, digital engineering, nuclear materials, advanced characterisation, supporting projects that underpin the safe operation of existing reactors and the development of next-generation nuclear systems.
Professor Maulik Patel, University of Liverpool lead on SATURN-2 said: “The UK nuclear sector faces an unprecedented demand for highly skilled scientists and engineers as we expand nuclear energy to support net zero, strengthen energy security and manage our nuclear legacy safely. SATURN-2 provides a unique opportunity to train the next generation of experts through close collaboration between universities, industry and national laboratories. By combining fundamental research with real-world nuclear challenges, the programme will equip doctoral researchers with the knowledge and experience needed to make a meaningful impact across the sector.”
The University of Liverpool has significant research excellence and facilities in nuclear physics, radiation protection, sustainability, supply chain development, risk & resilience, infrastructure, safety, transportation of materials/structure and planning policy. A strategic partnership with new nuclear power station Sizewell C and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has committed to working together to help boost sustainability, skills and economic growth across the region.