Dalton Nuclear Institute - The University of Manchester

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Welcome to the Dalton Nuclear Institute

We bring together the skills and expertise of the nuclear research community at The University of Manchester, the most advanced nuclear research capability in UK academia.

We create opportunities to grow the scale, scope and quality of the University’s nuclear activities, support development of distinctive features in Manchester’s nuclear research capability, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.

We nurture strategic partnerships with academia, industry, regulators, and government, and engage with the wider public through school activities, community outreach and the media.

Discover nuclear at Manchester

Blue coated researcher focusing on something off camera — Research

At Manchester we cover the full fission fuel cycle, fusion power, health and social research.

Students laughing at awards ceremony — People

Meet our leadership team and explore the nuclear research community at Manchester.

school students trying the nuclear reactor simulator game at a fair — Schools, colleges and the public

Our interactive online tools are a fun way to learn about nuclear energy.

News

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Turning fusion from a dream to reality

Manchester hosts a special panel discussion for the Manchester Festival of Climate Action.

Novel nuclear treatment technology - EDF

Novel graphite treatment 'could reduce UK nuclear waste burden'

The method could remove radioactivity from nuclear graphite waste.

Prof Francis Livens to chair NIRAB

NIRAB provides expert, independent advice on nuclear research and innovation to government.

An electron multiplier inside a vacuum chamber

Winners announced for 5 Days of Dalton image competition

The competition aims to find creative ways of depicting nuclear research.

Prof Francis Livens awarded 2020 Becquerel Medal

He has been recognised for his outstanding record of academic achievements.

View of a nuclear power station with a pebble beach in the foreground

Manchester launches nuclear energy roadmap

The roadmap sets outs how to assess the role of nuclear energy in the UK’s net zero future objectively.

Research connections

Manchester at night taken at slow shutter speed — The Beam

Discover The Beam, a collaborative, cross-disciplinary nuclear and social research network.

Dalton Cumbrian Facility viewed from field outside on a sunny day — Dalton Cumbrian Facility

Our Dalton Cumbrian Facility enables academia and industry to conduct cutting-edge radiation research.

Computer generated impression of Geological Disposal Facility — RWM Research Support Office

We host the RWM RSO, supporting research to underpin the implementation of a UK GDF.

graphic of a map — North West Nuclear Arc

We are a founding partner of this unique nuclear sector cluster spanning the North of England and North Wales.

Robotic car on the floor — Robotics and AI for Nuclear

Manchester leads the RAIN Hub, which brings together eight teams of experts from across the UK.

External of the Henry Royce Institute — Henry Royce Institute

The UK national institute for advanced materials. The Royce Hub is located at Manchester where we lead its Nuclear Materials Research Area.

Research themes

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Door of machinery with metallic circle on the front of it

Fuel and fuel cladding

We work to develop and improve the performance of nuclear fuels and fuel cladding associated with reactors.

Researchers in blue lab coats focusing on operating equipment

Reactors

Helping the industry develop the next generation of reactor plants and assure their performance.

Recycle

The UK is a leader in reprocessing spent nuclear fuel given its experience in operating reprocessing plants.

Researcher pouring pink liquid into a bottle

Environment and waste

Finding robust ways to safely clean-up the nuclear legacy is a global grand challenge.

Decommissioning

Decommissioning and clean-up of the UK’s public sector nuclear facilities is a multi-billion pound programme.

Students sat on bench eating and laughing

Nuclear and society

Much of our research activity takes place through nuclear and social research network, The Beam.

Fusion power

Nuclear fusion has the potential to be a near-limitless source of continuous power that emits no carbon dioxide.

Anonymous hands squeezing content of plastic bottle into plastic container

Health and medical

Our researchers are working to better understand the effects of radiation on our health.

Discover nuclear at Manchester

Research

People

Schools, colleges and the public