3.1

Making a Difference to the Next Generation

We asked some of the engineers and scientists in their first few years of a career with us what difference they hope NNL will make to the lives of UK citizens over the next 50 years. Here’s what they said.

“Over the next 50 years I see NNL playing an important role in helping the UK become a cleaner, healthier country, both in terms of its people and its places. NNL is perfectly placed to support the development of low-carbon energy technologies, expand the country’s capability in nuclear medicine and improve nuclear waste management – all of which help achieve these aims.”

Lucy Platts Plant Chemist

“I was an environmentalist before I was a nuclear physicist so mitigating climate change is something that really drives me. My problem-solving tendency is what led me to study physics and through that I realised the energy density of nuclear offered the best solution to climate change. My hope is therefore that NNL’s work will help make the world more sustainable and further our progress in solving our world’s largest environmental challenge.”

Henry Preston Scientist in Fuels, Reactors and Reprocessing Business Area

“Looking ahead, I hope that NNL will improve the lives of UK citizens from both an energy production and an environmental restoration standpoint. By continuing to develop more efficient and safer energy production methods, NNL can help future generations live without the use of fossil fuels. Alongside this, I think that NNL will continue to support advances in nuclear decommissioning and environmental remediation, for example by leading research in nuclear material behaviours and developing new practices to aid in the storage, decontamination, processing and disposal of waste.”

Jennifer Smart Analytical and Project Delivery Lead

“The thing that really stands out to me about nuclear is the role it can play in reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. I think that NNL will therefore play a key part in helping to protect our environment for the future, particularly the Gulf Stream, and reversing some of the effects of climate change. I also hope that NNL can help change the perception of nuclear amongst the general public, taking it from being an area that might feel inaccessible and unknown to something that is cutting-edge and very much on the cultural pulse of society.”

Emin Veron Fuel Performance Scientist, Nuclear and Reactor Physics Team

“NNL’s benefit to society is very tangible and real and it’s a huge part of why I choose to work here. Looking forward, I really do think that our skills and expertise in nuclear medicine, along with the human compassion of our scientists at NNL, is going to help transform the lives of families across the UK suffering with cancer.”

Sophie Zienkiewicz Insight Advisor

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