Chadwick Institute for Nuclear Innovation to Strengthen University of Liverpool’s Role in Nuclear Research and Professional Development

Chadwick Institute for Nuclear Innovation to Strengthen University of Liverpool’s Role in Nuclear Research and Professional Development

(IN BRIEF) The University of Liverpool has announced the launch of the Chadwick Institute for Nuclear Innovation, a new initiative named after Sir James Chadwick, the Nobel Prize-winning physicist who discovered the neutron and previously served as Chair of Physics at the University. The Institute will build on Liverpool’s historic strengths in nuclear science while supporting future research, innovation, skills development and industry collaboration across the nuclear sector. It will bring together expertise in nuclear physics, energy systems, materials and engineering, plasma technologies, digital and virtual engineering, environmental assessment, supply chain management and data-informed policy. Partnership will be central to its work, with existing MoUs already in place with organisations including Sizewell C and Mirion Technologies. A new MoU has also been signed between the University, the World Nuclear Transport Institute and the International Commission on Radiological Protection during the IRPA European Congress in Liverpool. The agreement will support collaborative research, doctoral programmes, continuing professional development, summer schools, professional skills enhancement and knowledge exchange. The Institute aims to strengthen the pipeline of skilled graduates and professionals while helping address major research and innovation challenges in nuclear technology, radiological protection and nuclear transport.

(PRESS RELEASE) LIVERPOOL, 4-Jun-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — The University of Liverpool has unveiled a major new initiative designed to advance research, skills development and collaboration across the nuclear sector. Named in honour of Nobel Prize-winning physicist Sir James Chadwick, the Chadwick Institute for Nuclear Innovation will build on the University’s long-standing contribution to nuclear science and its wider strengths in research, innovation and industry partnership.

Sir James Chadwick, who served as Chair of Physics at the University of Liverpool and discovered the neutron, remains one of the most important figures in the history of nuclear science. The new Institute carries his name as it looks to connect the University’s scientific heritage with the future needs of a sector central to energy, safety, technology, transport, policy and national infrastructure.

The Chadwick Institute for Nuclear Innovation will bring together the University’s expertise across nuclear science, engineering and applied research. It will serve as a platform for collaboration with employers, technology providers, logistics specialists, radiological protection organisations and other partners working across the nuclear ecosystem.

Partnership will be central to the Institute’s work. The University has already established formal Memoranda of Understanding with organisations including Sizewell C and Mirion Technologies, reflecting its ambition to support research translation, professional training and innovation across the sector.

This week, the Institute strengthened its partnership base with the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding between the University of Liverpool, the World Nuclear Transport Institute and the International Commission on Radiological Protection. The agreement was signed during the International Radiation Protection Association European Congress in Liverpool.

The new MoU creates a framework for cooperation in several areas, including challenge-led collaborative research, doctoral research programmes, continuing professional development modules, summer schools, professional skills enhancement, knowledge exchange and other mutually beneficial activities.

Professor Peter Bryant, CEO of the World Nuclear Transport Institute, said the partnership offers an important opportunity to strengthen the future skills pipeline for the radiation protection and nuclear transport sectors. He noted that bringing together the international expertise of WNTI, ICRP and the University of Liverpool will create new routes for professional development, research collaboration and knowledge sharing to support future industry leaders.

Christopher Clement, Scientific Secretary and CEO of the International Commission on Radiological Protection, said the organisation is pleased to join the University and WNTI in a partnership focused on developing the next generation of radiological protection and nuclear professionals. He said education, research and professional development are essential to ensuring society can continue to benefit safely from the many uses of radiation.

Clement added that the collaboration supports the aims of the ICRP Vancouver Call for Action by encouraging greater investment in radiological protection research, strengthening university programmes and career pathways, and expanding understanding of radiological protection through education and training.

The Chadwick Institute will support the development of skilled graduates and provide high-quality, flexible continuing professional development for professionals working in and around the nuclear sector. It will also work with partners to address shared research and innovation challenges linked to nuclear technologies and their safe, responsible use.

The Institute will cover a broad range of fields, including nuclear physics, nuclear energy systems, nuclear materials and engineering, nuclear and plasma technologies, digital and virtual engineering, environmental assessment, supply chain management and data-informed policy.

Professor Laura Harkness, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Head of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Liverpool, said the Institute will bring together multiple research areas to enable innovation that is technically strong, socially responsible and globally relevant. She said the University’s partnerships reflect a commitment to working closely with employers, technology providers, transport and logistics specialists, and the international radiological protection community.

Positioned as a gateway for collaboration, knowledge exchange and impact, the Chadwick Institute for Nuclear Innovation is intended to place the University of Liverpool at the centre of one of the world’s most strategically important industries.

Media Contact:

Joanne Carr
Deputy Director of Communications and Public Affairs
T: +44 (0)7825 434900
E: jocarr@liverpool.ac.uk

SOURCE: University of Liverpool