University of Strathclyde leads £23M UK doctoral programme to train next generation of nuclear engineers – Full Details
Programme Overview
The initiative, called STAND-UP (Skills and Training driving availability of National Defence Assets UP skilling), will train approximately 80 Engineering Doctorate (EngD) researchers through advanced academic research combined with industry placements. (University of Strathclyde)
The funding structure includes:
- £9.7 million from the UK government through UK Research and Innovation.
- £13.1 million in matched funding from industry partners. (University of Strathclyde)
The programme is one of seven national doctoral training initiatives sharing £65.6 million from the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the UK Ministry of Defence. (University of Strathclyde)
Academic Leadership and Partner Universities
The programme is led by the Advanced Nuclear Research Centre (ANRC) at the University of Strathclyde. (University of Strathclyde)
Partner universities include:
- University of Nottingham
- University of Birmingham
- Lancaster University
- University of Cumbria
- University of Derby
- University of Surrey (University of Strathclyde)
Together, these institutions will create a national doctoral training network covering nuclear engineering, advanced manufacturing, and digital technologies.
Industry and Innovation Partners
The programme includes strong collaboration with major nuclear and engineering companies, including:
- AWE Nuclear Security Technologies
- Babcock International Group
- BAE Systems
- Curtiss-Wright
- Rolls-Royce Holdings (University of Strathclyde)
Training and innovation partners include:
- National Manufacturing Institute Scotland
- Manufacturing Technology Centre
- National Physical Laboratory
- HMS Sultan (University of Strathclyde)
These partnerships ensure doctoral researchers work directly on real-world nuclear engineering challenges.
Research and Training Focus
The STAND-UP programme will strengthen UK capabilities in several critical areas:
- Nuclear engineering and reactor technologies
- Advanced manufacturing for nuclear infrastructure
- Robotics and digital manufacturing systems
- Nuclear decommissioning and lifecycle management
- Defence nuclear technologies (University of Strathclyde)
Students will undertake extended placements within partner organisations, allowing them to combine academic research with industrial experience. (University of Strathclyde)
Workforce Development Pathways
The programme includes a “PhD-to-Work” pathway, allowing 21 professionals already working in the nuclear sector to pursue part-time doctoral studies while remaining employed in industry. (University of Strathclyde)
Recruitment will begin with the first cohort in September 2026, with four cohorts recruited over four years. (University of Strathclyde)
Strategic Importance
The initiative supports the UK’s Nuclear Skills Plan, which calls for a major expansion in nuclear research training to address a shortage of specialists and replace an aging workforce. (University of Strathclyde)
The programme is expected to help:
- Support the UK’s net-zero energy transition
- Strengthen civil and defence nuclear programmes
- Build a sustainable pipeline of nuclear engineers and researchers. (University of Strathclyde)
Summary:
Led by the University of Strathclyde, the £23 million STAND-UP doctoral programme brings together universities, government, and industry to train 80 doctoral-level nuclear engineers through industry-embedded research and advanced technical training. The initiative is a key part of the UK’s broader effort to build over 500 nuclear specialists by the early 2030s to support energy security, defence, and net-zero ambitions. (University of Strathclyde)
The £23 million STAND-UP doctoral training programme led by University of Strathclyde aims to develop the next generation of nuclear engineers in the UK through advanced research training and close collaboration with industry. The programme forms part of a wider investment supported by UK Research and Innovation, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and the Ministry of Defence to strengthen national nuclear expertise.
Below are case studies and expert insights illustrating how the initiative could impact the nuclear sector, workforce development, and the UK’s long-term energy strategy.
Case Study 1: Robotics Innovation for Nuclear Maintenance
One research stream will focus on robotics and automated systems that can operate inside nuclear facilities.
Scenario
A doctoral researcher working with BAE Systems or Rolls-Royce Holdings could develop robotic inspection systems capable of operating in high-radiation reactor environments.
Potential Impact
- Reduced risk for human engineers working in hazardous areas
- Faster inspection and maintenance of nuclear infrastructure
- Improved reliability of reactor operations
Expert Comment
Researchers at the Advanced Nuclear Research Centre at the University of Strathclyde say robotics and digital technologies will play a major role in modernising nuclear engineering processes and improving safety across the sector.
Case Study 2: Industry-Embedded Doctorates for Reactor Technology
The STAND-UP programme embeds doctoral students directly in industry organisations.
Scenario
A researcher may work within engineering teams at Babcock International Group to investigate advanced materials or reactor system designs used in defence and civil nuclear projects.
Potential Impact
- Faster transfer of research into commercial engineering solutions
- Practical training for doctoral students
- Stronger collaboration between universities and nuclear companies
Expert Comment
Programme leaders at the University of Strathclyde note that industry-embedded research ensures students develop skills that are immediately relevant to real-world nuclear engineering challenges.
Case Study 3: Upskilling the Existing Nuclear Workforce
The programme includes a “PhD-to-Work” pathway, allowing engineers already employed in the nuclear sector to pursue part-time doctoral studies.
Scenario
An engineer at AWE Nuclear Security Technologies could undertake doctoral research while continuing to work on nuclear infrastructure or defence-related technologies.
Potential Impact
- Rapid upskilling of experienced engineers
- Immediate application of research findings in operational environments
- Strengthening of the UK’s nuclear talent pipeline
Expert Comment
Industry leaders say this flexible pathway helps retain experienced professionals while deepening their research capabilities, addressing skills shortages in highly specialised areas.
Case Study 4: Supporting the UK’s Net-Zero Energy Transition
The programme will also explore new nuclear technologies that could support clean energy generation.
Scenario
A doctoral researcher might work with engineers developing small modular reactors (SMRs) or digital simulation tools for nuclear power plants.
Potential Impact
- Lower costs and shorter construction times for nuclear facilities
- More efficient nuclear power generation
- Greater contribution of nuclear energy to the UK’s net-zero targets
Expert Comment
Energy policy experts note that nuclear engineering expertise is essential for achieving long-term energy security and reducing carbon emissions.
Case Study 5: National Collaboration in Nuclear Research
The programme brings together several UK universities, including:
- University of Nottingham
- University of Birmingham
- Lancaster University
- University of Surrey
- University of Cumbria
- University of Derby
Scenario
A doctoral student might receive technical training across multiple universities while working with industry partners.
Potential Impact
- Creation of a national network for nuclear engineering training
- Shared expertise between universities and industry
- A larger pipeline of highly skilled nuclear specialists.
Expert Comment
Research leaders involved in the programme say the collaboration helps create a unified national ecosystem for nuclear research and workforce development.
Summary
The £23 million STAND-UP programme led by the University of Strathclyde combines doctoral education, industry placements, and national research collaboration to address the UK’s nuclear skills shortage. Through projects in robotics, reactor engineering, and advanced manufacturing, the initiative is expected to help build the expertise needed to support the UK’s energy transition, nuclear innovation, and defence infrastructure.