Daisy Ray

Head of strategic development at Nuclear Restoration Services.

Daisy studied Chemistry and Environmental Chemistry at The University of Manchester before completing an EPSRC PhD in Environmental Radiochemistry. After her PhD, she moved into small and advanced modular reactor policy and programmes within the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, where she also supported COP26 preparations from the British Embassy in Paris and led a team at the UK Space Agency working on space debris removal technologies.

She now works as head of strategic development at Nuclear Restoration Services, where she builds partnerships and helps shape innovative approaches to nuclear decommissioning and transformation.

At a glance

  • Head of strategic development at Nuclear Restoration Services.
  • BSc Chemistry, MSc Environmental Chemistry and EPSRC PhD Environmental Radiochemistry, The University of Manchester.
  • Experience spanning nuclear research, government policy, international collaboration and strategic leadership.
An illustration of Daisy's career path showing the steps she took that led to her current career: From A Levels, then onto a BSC and a master’s, leading to a PHD and now her current position.

A typical day looks like ...

Every day is different – my role is about building partnerships, solving problems and bringing new ideas into the organisation.

As head of strategic development, I build partnerships across the public and private sectors that can bring value back to Nuclear Restoration Services (NRS). Sometimes this is linked to new developments or opportunities at or near our sites. Other times, it involves building on international collaboration with countries such as Japan, Canada and France to unlock effective knowledge exchange across focused decommissioning theme areas.

NRS is tasked with the important job of cost-effective decommissioning of the UK’s earliest nuclear sites, and learning from others with an innovative mindset can help support that mission.

Over the past few months, I have also been seconded into the Transformation team, which is focused on setting NRS up to be the best delivery organisation it can be. As part of that, I am working closely with internal teams and the supply chain to develop a clear digital blueprint that can improve delivery at our sites and provide a modern working environment.

My favourite thing about my role is ...

Through my leadership on strategic development, we have set up new partnerships that have enabled teams to think differently about how to solve challenges on our sites. While working in Transformation, a fit-for-purpose digital blueprint will help provide business certainty around how we can accelerate delivery by leveraging AI and emerging technologies.

I enjoy learning and problem-solving – whether that’s from other sectors, new technology areas or other functions – and my current role allows me to bring all of those things together to bring value to the organisation.

Don’t doubt yourself, be curious and put yourself forward for opportunities – your career journey is a book of learning experiences.

My advice to students interested in a future in the nuclear sector ...

The radiochemistry module in my undergraduate chemistry degree gave me the spark to pursue a master’s and PhD in the nuclear field, and opportunities to present at UK and international conferences helped me build the confidence to engage with nuclear networks. STEM outreach activities with the Dalton Nuclear Institute also gave me another perspective on my PhD when I needed time away from the lab.

My advice would be to make the most of every opportunity available to you – mentoring, placements, talks, reading around other subjects or working overseas. Be curious, make an impact and ask questions. It will feel less daunting after a few times and every experience will help shape where your career goes next.