Monday 21 July 2025

Nuclear experts from across industry, academia and government are being called upon to help shape a comprehensive materials roadmap for the future of nuclear fission in the UK.  

United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL) and the Henry Royce Institute have launched a collaborative project to develop guidance that will support critical policy and investment decisions relating to fission materials research, development and innovation.   

The initiative began with a successful workshop on 13 May 2025, bringing together 21 specialists from industry, government, academia, regulatory bodies and funding organisations. These experts identified key materials themes and challenges that will form the basis of upcoming online and in-person workshops.  

UKNNL and Royce are now seeking additional subject matter experts to contribute their knowledge to these focused sessions and share insights with peers and thought leaders. Sessions will cover a range of topics under these themes:  

• Structural materials  

• Fuels and cladding  

• Irradiation damage  

• Disposability  

• Cross-cutting themes including skills, qualification, policy and more  

The sessions will address current and future challenges in nuclear fission materials, with participants working together to develop a roadmap of potential solutions that could shape Britain’s energy landscape for decades to come.  

 The UK Fission Materials Roadmap will provide a coherent approach to UK fission materials R&D and will be shared with key stakeholders including government and funding organisations, potentially influencing government decisions.  

Scheduled for publication in summer 2026, the final roadmap aims to inform action and timescales, identify collaborative opportunities and inspire activity and investment. It directly supports UKNNL’s mission to enable and deliver nuclear outcomes for government, and to support the growth of the nuclear sector.   

Professor David Knowles, CEO of the Henry Royce Institute said: “Industrial collaboration is at the heart of our mission at Royce and that’s why we’re delighted to be working with UKNNL to develop the UK Fission Materials Roadmap to ensure maximum impact in this crucial area of research. I’m looking forward to the UK Fission Materials Roadmap shaping the future of Fission materials R&D in the UK, providing a ‘go-to’ resource on fission for years to come.”  

Dr Gareth Headdock, Chief Science and Technology Officer at UKNNL said: “The roadmap will be a highly valuable resource for industry, academia and government in outlining the challenges and opportunities for Fission Materials R&D in the UK. At UKNNL we’re proud to be working with the Henry Royce Institute and leading stakeholders from across the sector to bring together experts to establish priorities which support government clean energy objectives.”  

Prof. Abbie Jones, and Dr James Wade-Zhu said: “In our capacity as the Royce Institute Research Area Leads for Nuclear Materials we look forward to the development of this UK nuclear fission roadmap which seeks to provides the clarity and confidence needed to unlock investment, accelerate innovation, and build a resilient supply chain.” 

Experts interested in contributing to the materials roadmap can submit their details through an online form, specifying which sessions they wish to join and outlining relevant expertise.  

Registration details for subject matter experts can be found at:  Fission Roadmap Online Form – United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory