Imperial College, Rolls-Royce open nuclear centre

11 May 2010 | Updated: 11 May 2010 11:54 am

London – Imperial College London and Rolls-Royce have opened a new centre is dedicated to research and training in nuclear technology, towards developing the next generation of nuclear scientists and engineers.

The Rolls-Royce Nuclear University Technology Centre (UTC) will be based in the department of mechanical engineering, drawing on the expertise of academics from across the Faculty including the departments of materials, chemical engineering and chemical technology, earth science and engineering and mechanical engineering.

The Centre is to provide a focal point for academics from the Faculty of Engineering and Rolls-Royce to further research in areas including fuel performance, reactor efficiency, and methods for monitoring the performance of nuclear plants. It will also give Imperial students better access to nuclear industry experts, industrial facilities and summer placements at Rolls-Royce.

The Centre builds on a long partnership with Rolls-Royce in the areas of nuclear engineering research and teaching, according to prof Stephen Richardson, principal of the faculty of engineering.

“The new Centre will establish more links with Rolls so that our students, who are the next generation of nuclear engineers, can get better access to valuable industry training and expertise, which is so vital in getting students ready for the needs of business when they graduate,” said Jones.

“The UTC will also provide a new hub - a focal point - for academics and Rolls-Royce staff to collaborate on new research in nuclear engineering projects, further strengthening the UK’s capability in this field,” he added.