Programme Overview
The initiative forms part of a national nuclear skills investment funded through the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Doctoral Focal Awards Nuclear Skills call. The programme will train around 80 Engineering Doctorate researchers who will work on advanced nuclear technologies and related engineering challenges. (University of Nottingham)
The £23 million funding package combines:
- £9.7 million from the UK government
- £13.1 million in contributions from industry partners (University of Nottingham)
This training programme is one of seven national doctoral initiatives sharing £65.6 million from the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the UK Ministry of Defence. (University of Nottingham)
The STAND-UP Doctoral Programme
The project is called STAND-UP (Skills and Training driving availability of National Defence Assets UP skilling). It is led by:
- University of Strathclyde through its Advanced Nuclear Research Centre
Partner universities include:
- University of Nottingham
- University of Cumbria
- University of Derby
- Lancaster University
- University of Birmingham
- University of Surrey (University of Nottingham)
The collaboration will strengthen UK capabilities in areas such as:
- Nuclear engineering
- Advanced manufacturing
- Robotics and digital manufacturing
- Nuclear decommissioning technologies (University of Nottingham)
Industry and Research Partners
The programme includes strong industry participation, ensuring students work on real-world challenges. Key partners include:
- AWE Nuclear Security Technologies
- Babcock International Group
- BAE Systems
- Curtiss-Wright
- Rolls‑Royce Holdings (University of Nottingham)
Training and innovation partners also include:
- National Manufacturing Institute Scotland
- Manufacturing Technology Centre
- National Physical Laboratory
- HMS Sultan (University of Nottingham)
Training Model
Students in the programme will:
- Conduct doctoral research embedded within industry organisations
- Undertake extended placements with partner companies
- Receive structured professional and technical training alongside research. (University of Nottingham)
The programme will also create a “PhD-to-work” pathway for 21 professionals already working in the nuclear sector, allowing them to pursue part-time doctoral study while remaining employed in industry. (University of Nottingham)
Recruitment for the first cohort of researchers is expected to begin in September 2026, with four cohorts recruited over four years. (University of Nottingham)
Strategic Context
The initiative follows the UK Nuclear Skills Plan (2024), which recommended quadrupling the number of nuclear fission doctoral students to address a growing shortage of highly skilled specialists and replace an aging workforce. (University of Nottingham)
Officials say the programme will help:
- Support the UK’s net-zero energy transition
- Strengthen defence and national security capabilities
- Expand the research base for next-generation nuclear technologies. (University of Nottingham)
In summary: By joining the £23M STAND-UP doctoral programme, the University of Nottingham and its partners aim to produce dozens of highly trained nuclear engineers, combining academic research with industry placements to meet the UK’s growing demand for nuclear expertise. (University of Nottingham)
The £23 million doctoral programme involving the University of Nottingham is part of the STAND-UP nuclear skills initiative, which aims to train around 80 Engineering Doctorate researchers through industry-embedded research and advanced training. The programme is funded through UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) with support from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and the UK Ministry of Defence, alongside industry partners. (University of Nottingham)
Below are illustrative case studies and expert comments showing how the programme could impact the nuclear sector, energy transition, and workforce development.
Case Studies and Expert Comments
Case Study 1: Robotics and Digital Manufacturing for Nuclear Facilities
At the University of Nottingham, researchers from the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing will lead work on robotics and digital manufacturing within the STAND-UP programme.
Scenario
A doctoral researcher could work with companies such as Rolls‑Royce Holdings or BAE Systems to design robotic systems that assist in assembling or maintaining nuclear reactors.
Impact
- Robots could operate in high-radiation environments where human access is limited.
- Digital manufacturing techniques could reduce reactor construction and maintenance times.
- Advanced automation could improve safety and efficiency across the nuclear supply chain.
Expert Comment
Professor Svetan Ratchev, Director of the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing at Nottingham, said the programme will develop specialists in robotics and advanced manufacturing for the nuclear sector, helping build “experts of the future for the UK nuclear industry.” (University of Nottingham)
Case Study 2: Industry-Embedded Doctorates for Reactor Development
The STAND-UP programme places doctoral researchers directly inside industry partners such as Babcock International Group and Curtiss-Wright.
Scenario
A doctoral student may spend several months embedded in an engineering team working on advanced reactor components or maintenance technologies.
Impact
- Students gain real-world experience while completing research.
- Industry partners gain access to cutting-edge academic expertise.
- Research outcomes can move faster from laboratory to commercial deployment.
Expert Comment
Programme leader Professor Charles Macleod from the University of Strathclyde said embedding researchers within industry allows them to work on real-world challenges in nuclear power and defence technologies while building essential expertise for the sector. (University of Nottingham)
Case Study 3: Upskilling the Existing Nuclear Workforce
A key component of the programme is a “PhD-to-work” pathway that allows experienced engineers to pursue part-time doctoral studies while staying employed in the nuclear industry.
Scenario
An engineer working for AWE Nuclear Security Technologies might enrol in the programme to research advanced materials used in nuclear infrastructure.
Impact
- Existing professionals gain deeper research skills.
- Industry benefits from immediate application of new knowledge.
- The programme helps address the UK’s shortage of highly specialised nuclear experts.
About 21 industry professionals are expected to join this pathway during the programme. (University of Nottingham)
Case Study 4: Supporting the UK’s Net-Zero Energy Strategy
The programme is closely linked to the UK’s long-term energy strategy, which includes expanding nuclear energy to reduce carbon emissions.
Scenario
A doctoral researcher might develop digital modelling tools for small modular reactors (SMRs) or improved nuclear decommissioning methods.
Impact
- Faster and cheaper nuclear construction.
- Improved safety in reactor operation and dismantling.
- Stronger domestic expertise supporting energy independence.
Expert Comment
Professor Charlotte Deane, Executive Chair at the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, noted that the UK’s nuclear sector is critical to “national security, clean energy ambitions and economic future,” requiring a new generation of researchers and innovators. (University of Nottingham)
Case Study 5: National Collaboration Across Universities
The initiative brings together universities including:
- University of Strathclyde (programme lead)
- University of Nottingham
- University of Birmingham
- University of Surrey
- Lancaster University
- University of Cumbria
- University of Derby
Scenario
A PhD student might receive training at multiple institutions while working on a joint research project with industry.
Impact
- Creates a national training ecosystem for nuclear engineering.
- Encourages collaboration between universities and industry.
- Builds a pipeline of talent to replace the UK’s aging nuclear workforce.
The initiative also aligns with the UK Nuclear Skills Plan, which recommends significantly increasing the number of doctoral students in nuclear fields. (University of Nottingham)
Summary:
The £23 million STAND-UP doctoral programme involving the University of Nottingham combines academic research, industry placements, and national collaboration to train the next generation of nuclear engineers. Through robotics innovation, workforce upskilling, and real-world industry projects, the initiative aims to address the UK’s nuclear skills shortage while supporting its net-zero and national security goals. (University of Nottingham)
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