Fusion research partnership agreed between UKAEA and The University of Manchester

UKAEA is expanding its research links with The University of Manchester with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the two organisations.

UKAEA CEO Professor Ian Chapman took part in an online ceremony today with officials from Manchester, including Professor Dame Nancy Rothwell, the university’s President & Vice-Chancellor, and Professor Francis Livens, Director of the Dalton Nuclear Institute.

The partnership will see new research groups established by Manchester in the key areas of tritium and digital engineering. Tritium – one of the two fuels commercial fusion devices will use – is a growing area of study, boosted by UKAEA’s new H3AT tritium research facility at Culham. Digital engineering is a highly promising computer-based approach that allows engineers to arrive at final versions of systems quicker and cheaper than traditional methods.

UKAEA works with more than 25 universities around the country on physics, materials science and engineering areas. The research generated by these collaborations is playing an important role in accelerating progress towards commercial fusion.

Manchester has a long history of excellence in nuclear research, and its Dalton Nuclear Institute is one of the largest and most advanced of its type in the UK.

Professor Francis Livens, Director of the Dalton Nuclear Institute at The University of Manchester, said: “This agreement in fusion complements and builds on our long-term strength in nuclear research. It will allow us to undertake important new research and training activities in Tritium Science & Technology and Digitalisation, and extend our exciting collaboration with UKAEA.”

Martin O’Brien, Head of University Liaison at UKAEA, said: “Many universities already work with us on a wide range of research topics. We are excited that The University of Manchester will now expand greatly its work with us in two key areas where progress is needed to deliver a fusion power station.”