Empowering the Next Generation: PANDA鈥檚 Role in the UK鈥檚 Nuclear Future
鈥淭his is a significant step for Bangor, North Wales and the UK.
Through PANDA, we will shorten the time it takes for a researcher to take a good idea and turn it into something that provides a genuine benefit to society.
We will train up to 100 PhD graduates in the most modern methods and equip them with the leadership skills to be able to innovate and deliver immediate impact when they enter the UK鈥檚 diverse nuclear programmes in the very near future.鈥
Professor Michael Rushton
Director, Nuclear Futures Institute / SMR Systems Lead
Beyond the Lab: PANDA鈥檚 Holistic Approach to Nuclear Excellence
Beyond technical research, PANDA puts an emphasis on preparing PhD graduates for industry. Alongside advanced nuclear science and engineering, PANDA students will receive training in project management, budgeting, regulatory awareness, communication and broader leadership skills. This holistic approach ensures graduates are fully prepared for employment in a rapidly expanding sector that requires both technical excellence and professional capability.鈥
Dr. Tessa Davey
Deputy Director of PANDA and Reader in Nuclear Materials
What Does PANDA Do?
PANDA focuses on preparing PhD graduates who are ready to make an immediate impact on joining the UK's rapidly growing nuclear industry. Alongside advanced training in nuclear science and engineering, students will develop key professional skills including project management, budgeting, regulatory awareness, communication, and leadership.
Industry placements will also provide valuable real-world experience. This holistic approach ensures graduates are equipped with both the technical expertise and professional capabilities needed to thrive and contribute to our ambitious nuclear programmes.
Research Topics
PANDA is driving forward innovative research at the forefront of nuclear science and engineering. Our PhD researchers will explore a wide range of emerging topics, such as:
- Accelerate Qualification
- Fuel Performance
- Fuel Cycle
- Nuclear Materials and Manufacture
- Reactor and System Design
- Uncertainty Quantification and Reliability
- Licencing and Regulation
- Advanced Simulation
We Are Recruiting - Be A Part Of Something New
We are recruiting now. if you鈥檙e passionate about tackling real-world challenges and advancing clean energy and national capability, apply to become part of the next generation of nuclear researchers with PANDA.
Highlights include:
- Nuclear Science and Technology
- Methods for Innovation
- Professional skills
- Industrial Placement opportunities
How To Get Involved As An Organisation
If you are a nuclear organisation interested in sponsoring a PhD student, please get in touch on nuclear@bangor.ac.uk. Sponsorship through PANDA is cost effective, it unlocks access to match funds from PANDA and to comprehensive training in methods for innovation, nuclear science and professionalism. We will also consider applications to associate non-DFA students, (providing cohort membership) and even affiliate status for universities outside the initial PANDA consortium.
Contact PANDA
Have a question or want to learn more about PANDA? Get in touch with our team - we鈥檙e here to help. Whether you鈥檙e a prospective PhD student, industry partner, or collaborator, we鈥檇 be happy to hear from you. Reach out to us and we鈥檒l respond as soon as possible.
All applicants should have permanent UK residency and have been granted Home Fee status on the day of application. As a condition of the funding, we are unable to consider applications from those who are awaiting approval of permanent UK residency.