The South West Nuclear Hub Showcase took place last week (26th Feb) in the Wills Memorial Building at the University of Bristol, welcoming over 100 delegates for a full day exploring the ‘Past, Present and Future of Nuclear in the South West’.
The agenda featured opening remarks from SWNH Director Professor Tom Scott, and Michele Barbour (Associate Pro Vice-Chancellor for Enterprise & Innovation, University of Bristol), alongside a keynote from Dame Sue Ion, who drew on over 30 years of leadership in the UK nuclear sector to encapsulate the theme of the day in an enthralling account of the UK’s nuclear history, a reflection on the present day and a forward look to what’s next.
Lightning talks from industrial and academic partners brought us into the present, sharing insights into current work and research spanning AI in decommissioning (Katie Hore, REWIRE), commercialisation of nuclear technologies (Tom Wallace-Smith, Astral Systems), advanced materials (Nico Grilli, University of Bristol) and use of next-generation power semiconductors in extreme environments.
Further talks provided an update on the SINSRI Prosperity Partnership (Paul Wilcox, University of Bristol), Experimental Testing of Soil-Structure Interaction for Nuclear Structures (Shahin Huseynli, University of Bristol), UK participation in NEA FIDES2 and JHR (Jon Hyde, UKNNL), and the use of AI in nuclear decommissioning (Derreck Van Gelderen, PA Consulting).
We were also joined by 13 exhibiting groups and companies, and dedicated networking time allowed for attendees to get stuck in with demos, kit and facilities and cutting-edge work and research. We were very fortunate to host two special guests in the afternoon: Claire Young MP for Thornbury and Yate, and Evelyn Welch (Vice-chancellor of the University of Bristol), who engaged with attendees, stand holders, and the SWNH directors.
The afternoon session, chaired by Director Professor Claire Corkhill, provided a look forwards with sessions contributed by Brian Robinson (Great British Energy – Nuclear), Mark Rouse (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero) and Al Garner (Ministry of Defence) on SMR siting, the Nuclear Skills Plan, and UK test reactors generating plenty of questions and engagement in the room!
With more than 40 organisations represented, the Showcase highlighted the strength, diversity and collaborative spirit of the South West’s nuclear community.
A huge thank you to everyone who hosted a stand, presented and attended!
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