The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) has introduced its 2024 PhD bursary scheme, reaffirming its dedication to cultivating talent within the nuclear sector and nurturing the pioneers of the future. This initiative plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the NDA possesses the requisite skills and capabilities to effectively support nuclear decommissioning efforts.
Currently, the NDA sponsors over 50 PhD students and three post-doctoral researchers, a testament to its commitment to advancing knowledge and expertise in the field. Each year, the NDA allocates approximately £100 million to research and development, thereby strengthening the technical skills essential for future decommissioning endeavors. Notably, the bursary scheme provides a minimum of £750,000 in sponsorship, with previous years witnessing awards exceeding £1 million.
The research facilitated by the bursary scheme serves various critical purposes. It enhances the understanding of nuclear decommissioning challenges, encourages the exploration of cutting-edge ideas and innovations, and leverages the opportunities presented by the development and demonstration of new technologies.
Proposals submitted to the scheme undergo rigorous evaluation by technical specialists associated with the Nuclear Waste and Decommissioning Research Forum (NWDRF). Typically, one proposal is funded for every six applications received. The selection criteria prioritize proposals that align with the NDA’s mission, which is to deliver secure, sustainable, and safe solutions for addressing the decommissioning and clean-up of the UK’s civil nuclear legacy.
Dr. Rick Short, Research Manager at the NDA, emphasized the significance of academic partnerships in fostering innovative approaches to achieving sustainable decommissioning. These approaches aim to be more efficient and cost-effective, ultimately benefiting taxpayers. The NDA welcomes proposals that extend beyond conventional science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) challenges, encompassing areas such as organizational psychology and risk modeling.
Applicants have until 3 p.m. on Friday, December 1, 2023, to submit their proposals. The winning submissions will be announced by April 2024, with the anticipated launch of projects in September 2024.
For additional details on the bursary call, assessment criteria, and selection process, interested parties can refer to the NDA website.
In parallel, the NDA group’s PhD bursary call for Nuclear Waste Services is also open for applications. This scheme provides funding to UK academic institutions for four-year PhD projects that directly support the establishment of a UK Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) for the permanent disposal of higher-activity radioactive waste.
Source: Gov[Dot]UK
