Addressing the UK’s Critical Nuclear Skills Shortage Through New PhD Opportunities
Lancaster University is set to play a pivotal role in addressing the UK’s urgent shortage of nuclear engineering and scientific expertise through a major new government investment. The university will deliver a new generation of talented nuclear sector engineers, scientists, and researchers, creating more than 15 PhD positions annually over the next four years.
This initiative comes as part of a £65.6 million national investment announced by the UK Government, delivered through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), and the Ministry of Defence (MoD). The investment aims to quadruple the UK’s intake of nuclear doctoral students to more than 500 across the country by 2034.
Lancaster University’s Strategic Role in Nuclear Education
Lancaster University has secured a combined total of more than £5 million through this government investment and matched funding from industrial partners. This funding will support at least 60 doctoral positions across four years, positioning Lancaster as a key player in the UK’s nuclear education landscape.
The university is a delivery partner in three of the seven doctoral training programmes, demonstrating its comprehensive expertise across the nuclear sector. These partnerships include:
- SATURN-2 (Skills and Training Underpinning a Renaissance in Nuclear) – Led by the University of Manchester, this programme builds on the success of the original SATURN Centre for Doctoral Training, doubling its size and expanding training pathways across the entire nuclear fuel cycle.
- STAND-UP (Skills and Training driving availability of National Defence Assets UP skilling) – Led by the University of Strathclyde, this programme will train 80 Engineering Doctorate researchers across seven university partners, strengthening UK capabilities in nuclear engineering, advanced manufacturing, and digital technologies.
- PLANET (Physics-led Applications for Nuclear Technology Programme) – Led by the University of York, this unique collaboration brings together nuclear physics and engineering groups to close the gap between fundamental science and real-world energy solutions.
Meeting the Growing Demand for Nuclear Expertise
The UK Government’s Strategic Defence Review and National Nuclear Strategic Plan for Skills highlight an urgent shortage of high-skill nuclear scientists and engineers. With an estimated 120,000 workers needed by the 2030s, including a rapidly depleting cohort of subject matter experts, this investment comes at a critical time.
Lancaster University’s internationally leading position in nuclear science and engineering research spans nuclear instrumentation, decommissioning, and chemical processes. The university is uniquely positioned as the only UK institution offering research-informed nuclear education at all levels, from foundation courses through to the UK’s only Nuclear Engineering Master’s (MEng) degree and now these new PhD opportunities.
Comprehensive Training for the Nuclear Sector
The SATURN-2 programme will train specialists across multiple critical areas including nuclear fuel manufacture and performance, reactor science and operations, decommissioning and waste management, fusion-fission interfaces, and digital engineering applications in nuclear contexts.
Through the STAND-UP programme, students will undertake doctoral research through extended placements within partner organisations while completing structured professional and technical training. This practical approach ensures graduates are immediately valuable to the nuclear industry.
The PLANET programme represents a first-of-its-kind collaboration that equips students to work in fields vital to national security, clean energy, and healthcare, bridging the historical gap between fundamental science and practical energy solutions.
Impact on the UK’s Net Zero and Energy Security Goals
This investment is crucial for the UK’s transition to Net Zero and its energy security ambitions. The government emphasizes that this new funding will ensure the UK has the expertise to accelerate the construction of critical nuclear infrastructure while maintaining stringent safety and environmental standards.
Professor Charlotte Deane, Executive Chair at UKRI’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “The UK’s nuclear sector is central to our national security, clean energy ambitions and economic future. Meeting those challenges demands a new generation of researchers and innovators with the technical expertise to make a real difference.”
Application and Recruitment Timeline
Recruitment for these programmes will begin this year, with the first cohorts starting in the 2026/27 academic year. This timeline allows prospective students to prepare their applications and ensures a smooth transition into these new doctoral training opportunities.
For aspiring nuclear engineers and researchers, these new doctoral positions represent a fantastic opportunity to launch careers in the nuclear industry. The comprehensive training, industry partnerships, and focus on practical applications make these programmes particularly attractive for those seeking to make a meaningful impact in the nuclear sector.
As the UK continues to expand its nuclear capabilities to meet energy demands and environmental goals, the graduates from these programmes will be at the forefront of innovation, safety, and technological advancement in the nuclear industry. Lancaster University’s investment in these doctoral programmes demonstrates a commitment to addressing national skills shortages while maintaining the highest standards of nuclear education and research.
For more information about these programmes and application processes, prospective students should visit the Lancaster University Engineering School website or contact the admissions team directly. The university is also hosting information sessions and open days where potential applicants can learn more about these exciting opportunities in nuclear engineering and research.
