Friday 18 July 2025

United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL) has been recognised as Charter Signatory of the Year at the prestigious Women in Nuclear (WiN) UK Awards, celebrating our commitment to advancing gender equality and inclusion across within our business and the nuclear sector. 

The Charter Signatory of the Year Award specifically recognises organisations making exceptional contributions to improving gender balance both within their own organisation and across the wider nuclear industry through sharing best practice, data transparency, and creating opportunities for networking and mentoring. 

UKNNL’s comprehensive approach to equality, diversity and inclusion (ED&I) impressed judges with our evidence-based strategy and collaborative leadership. Our work spans from co-founding ED&I Alliance Nuclear – a knowledge-sharing forum for industry professionals – to partnering with Northumbria University on developing innovative Theory of Change models for strategic ED&I objectives. 

Mary Erlund, UKNNL ED&I Manager said: “This recognition reflects our organisation-wide commitment to Nuclear Science to Benefit Society. By working together to create an inclusive culture, we’re not just transforming UKNNL—we’re helping shape a more equitable future for the entire nuclear sector. 

“Our commitment to sharing best practice has contributed to steady improvements in representation, with women’s participation in our workforce growing by one percent annually from 2019 to 2023, reaching 32%.” 

Two UKNNL colleagues were also highly commended in their individual categories. Nassia Tzelepi, Senior Fellow in Graphite Technology, received recognition in the Technical Excellence Award for her transformational technical leadership of the £15 million government-funded Advanced Modular Reactor programme. Annie Hartley, ED&I Feedback Workstream Lead (alongside her role as Assistant Project Manager), was highly commended for the Mission Possible Award, celebrating her grassroots work inspiring young people – particularly girls – to pursue STEM careers. 

Commenting on her recognition, Nassia said: “Working on the UKJ-HTR programme has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding. This recognition highlights not just technical achievement, but the importance of resilient leadership in complex multi-million-pound programmes. I’m particularly proud that we’ve created opportunities for early career staff development throughout the project.” 

Annie added: “Being recognised for Mission Possible means so much because it celebrates the grassroots work that really drives change. From talking to Year 10 students about nuclear careers to developing our ED&I ambassador programme, every conversation and initiative contributes to building a more inclusive sector. When I see young people getting excited about nuclear science, I know we’re making a real difference.” 

Success in these awards reflects UKNNL’s work towards its mission to enable and deliver nuclear outcomes for government, and to support growth of the UK nuclear sector. By championing and nurturing advanced nuclear skills. UKNNL is fostering an inclusive environment where diverse talent can thrive.