Swansea part of major £65.6 million UKRI investment to train next generation of nuclear engineers and scientists
Swansea University will play a key role in a new £65.6 million UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Doctoral Focal Award in Nuclear Skills, helping to train specialists essential to future clean energy, national security and advanced nuclear technologies.
As part of DRIVERS (Developing Researchers with an Interdisciplinary Vision for Engineering Reactor Systems), experts from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences will train more than 80 Ph.D. researchers over the next seven years in reactor physics, thermal hydraulics and through-life structural integrity.
Run by a consortium of leading universities—Imperial, Bangor, Bristol, Manchester and Swansea—this new doctoral training centre will equip future nuclear engineers and scientists with the advanced technical, interdisciplinary and digital skills needed to support the UK's civil and defence nuclear programmes. Through this approach, the centre aims to accelerate innovation in nuclear system design, improve safety and performance, and support the cost-effective development of future nuclear technologies.
From large-scale power stations to emerging small modular and advanced modular reactors, and its fleet of nuclear-powered submarines, the UK's ambitions for energy security, net zero, and national defence all depend on a highly skilled nuclear workforce. DRIVERS will address this need by training doctoral researchers in the integrated design and assessment of nuclear reactor systems.
The programme places strong emphasis on leadership development, digital fluency, communication skills and equality, diversity and inclusion. It will also ensure the UK has the skilled workforce needed to sustain safe, innovative and competitive nuclear programmes for decades to come.
Professor Robert Lancaster, Chair in Materials Science at Swansea University and Co-Director of DRIVERS, said, "We are delighted that Swansea University is part of DRIVERS, a major investment in developing the next generation of nuclear talent. Through this programme, we will help train doctoral researchers with the technical, interdisciplinary and leadership skills needed to support the UK's future nuclear capability in energy and defence."
Programme Director Professor Robin Grimes added, "DRIVERS represents a major strategic national investment in the UK's nuclear capability and will play a key role in developing the expertise required to deliver the country's long-term civil and defence nuclear ambitions."
Learn more about the DRIVERS programme.
More information:
Founded in 1920, Swansea University is a research-led institution with two campuses along Swansea Bay in south Wales, UK. Its scenic beachfront location and welcoming atmosphere attract more than 23,000 students from around the world. The University offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across three academic faculties.
In 2025, Swansea achieved its highest-ever ranking in the QS World University Rankings 2026, reaching 292nd globally and was ranked 29th in the Guardian University Guide 2026.
The 2021 Research Excellence Framework rated 86% of Swansea's research and 91% of its research environment as world-leading or internationally excellent, with 86% of its research impact recognised as outstanding.
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For more information, please contact Ffion White at Swansea University Press Office. Email F.E.White@Swansea.ac.uk or call 01792 602706.
Provided by Swansea University
