Wednesday 26 March 2025
UKNNL Announces New Non-Executive Director Appointment
United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Neil Smart as Non-Executive Director, effective from 1 April 2025. Neil will serve as Non-Executive Director, Chair of the Environment, Health, Safety and Security Committee, and Chair of the Technical Advisory Board.
Neil brings over three decades of extensive experience in the nuclear sector, having held senior technical leadership positions at several prominent organisations including Sellafield Ltd, the Nuclear Innovation and Research Office, and Radioactive Waste Management Ltd. His expertise spans spent fuel recycle, energy systems and radioactive waste management.
Commenting on his appointment, Dr Neil Smart said:
“I am excited to join UKNNL at this pivotal time for the nuclear sector. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about driving technological advancement and innovation in nuclear science. I look forward to working with the Board and contributing to UKNNL’s continued success in delivering positive nuclear outcomes for government, in line with our new mission following the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero’s Strategic Review.”
Neil succeeds Steve Garwood, who will be stepping down from his role as Non-Executive Director on 31 March 2025.
Neil began his career working for BNFL, having completed a PhD in Corrosion Science after a first degree in Chemistry at Nottingham Trent University. He subsequently worked in the USA for two years before returning to roles with Sellafield and NDA. He has an impressive academic background, including 15 patents and 30 peer-reviewed publications. Neil is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and a Fellow of the Nuclear Institute. He holds a number of prestigious positions, including representing the UK on the European Nuclear Society Higher Scientific Council and is a visiting professor at the University of Manchester.
Ian Funnell, Chair of the UKNNL Board, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Neil to the UKNNL Board. His deep technical expertise and proven track record in driving innovation across the nuclear sector will be invaluable as we continue to advance our purpose of nuclear science to benefit society. His appointment further strengthens our Board’s capability to guide UKNNL’s strategic direction.”
Paul Howarth, UKNNL CEO said:
“I have known and worked with Neil for decades on nuclear research and technology, going back to my time in Japan in the 1990s. His appointment comes at an exciting time for UKNNL as we continue to expand our role in delivering nuclear science outcomes for the UK.
Neil’s extensive experience across research, innovation and technical assurance will be invaluable to our Board and his track record of driving technological advancement in the nuclear sector perfectly aligns with our mission. I have no doubt he will play a pivotal role as UKNNL continues to deliver world-class nuclear science and technology solutions.”