Our researchers are advancing fuel materials and technologies for both today’s reactor fleet and next-generation systems.

Scientific leaders

Fuels

Fuel cladding

Research areas include:

  • Fuel manufacture
  • Performance
  • Degradation and safety
  • Helping improve reliability and efficiency under demanding reactor conditions.

Bringing together expertise in materials science, engineering, chemistry and reactor physics, we investigate how fuels behave in extreme environments including high temperature, corrosion and irradiation. This research supports the development of fuels and cladding materials capable of operating safely for longer and at higher performance. 

A major focus is accident-tolerant fuel technologies designed to enhance resilience under severe conditions. Researchers are also exploring fuels for advanced reactor concepts, supporting the transition to more flexible and sustainable nuclear energy systems.

Facilities and expertise

Manchester is home to internationally recognised expertise in zirconium alloys, fuel cladding and nuclear materials characterisation, supported by nationally significant facilities including the Dalton Cumbrian Facility and the Henry Royce Institute. These capabilities enable unique experimental research using representative radioactive materials and realistic operating environments. 

Working closely with industry, government and international partners, our fuels research is helping shape the next generation of nuclear energy. 

Related resources

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