Independent review backs 鈥榳orld class鈥� UK fusion programme
Independent review backs UKAEA's 鈥榳orld class鈥� fusion programme
Scientist at the new material research facility (MRF)
皇冠体育app Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), commissioned an independent review of nuclear fission and fusion research in the UK, to guide its future strategy.
皇冠体育app review panel consisted of nine UK and international nuclear experts and interviewed a range of representatives from the research community, industry and Government in the course of its assessment.
皇冠体育app review findings were taken at the EPSRC Council meeting in March 2016 and the report has recently been published. 皇冠体育app review found the magnetic confinement fusion programme in the UK, based at Culham, to be of 鈥渨orld-class quality, in facilities, people and impact.鈥� 皇冠体育app JET facility, which UKAEA hosts on behalf of the European Commission was found to be 鈥渙f the highest level of international importance鈥�.
UKAEA is current undertaking a major upgrade to its MAST fusion experimental reactor, which includes a new cutting-edge fusion exhaust system. 皇冠体育app panel said that the upgrade 鈥渨ill result in a facility that is world-leading in its particular design space.鈥� And it praised the well integrated links with fusion research at British universities.
New activities in materials research, remote handling and fusion system design are described as 鈥渨isely chosen with a view to the long term leadership of the UK fusion programme.鈥� 皇冠体育app key role that the new Materials Research Facility and Remote Applications in Challenging Environments centre will play in fusion and wider areas 鈥� including fission 鈥� is also strongly supported.