Celebrating 10 years of nuclear research, skills and impact in Manchester
21 Oct 2015
A couple of hundred years on from the inception of atomic theory, we’re celebrating a decade of nuclear research and skills development at Manchester’s Dalton Nuclear Institute
On 21 October 1803, British scientist John Dalton read a paper to the Manchester Literary and Philosophical Society that would change the world. This was the beginning of his atomic theory, an understanding that would lead to the invention of an increasingly important source of energy; nuclear power.
Through the years, in the context of the huge economic and environmental challenges we face, the significance of this high energy, low carbon source of electricity has become ever greater.
We’re celebrating another key anniversary in Manchester this year. In 2005, the University, well-placed with its strong atomic science heritage, launched what was then termed ‘Project Dalton’ to provide a strategic focus in addressing urgent skills and research needs within the nuclear energy sector.
A decade on, the Dalton Nuclear Institute, as it is now known, is celebrating ten years of success in this endeavour. It has grown to become the UK’s largest and most networked academic centre for nuclear R&D and high-level training. Over the past decade, it has collaborated with more than 30 UK and international universities, and more than 50 partners in industry and government.
Success and recognition through the years have included the award of a Queen's Anniversary Prize in 2011, the official opening of the Institute’s Dalton Cumbrian Facility in 2013, a Gold Medal awarded by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining in 2014 and the recent launch of the new Nuclear Fuel Centre of Excellence (NFCE) Nuclear Fuel Centre of Excellence (NFCE) in collaboration with National Nuclear Laboratory.
Looking forward, the Institute is committed to continuing its important role creating and supporting the next generation of nuclear scientists and engineers.
Its community of established and emergent nuclear experts will continue to support the operation, maintenance, management and life extension of existing plants, and develop pioneering manufacturing techniques for new nuclear build and the next generation of reactors.
It will play its role in safeguarding the environment through research around the challenges of treating, processing and recycling spent fuels; securing safe management of radioactive waste and effective solutions for decommissioning.
To mark the anniversary, an animated timeline has been created, featuring Dalton’s directors; Interim Director Prof Francis Livens, Scientific Director Prof Melissa Denecke and past Director Andrew Sherry. Watch the video:
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