Nuclear and fusion

Nuclear energy is enjoying something of a resurgence across Europe, which is creating greater demand for physicists and engineers to work in a variety of roles. The nuclear industry has responded by introducing a range of schemes for would-be nuclear engineers, as highlighted in some of our case studies below.

At the other end of the scale, nuclear fusion remains a tantalizing energy source of the future. With international proof-of-concept experiments now under way, the time has never been better for qualified physicists and engineers to make a contribution that could benefit the long-term future of our planet.

Case study: Fusion scientists of the future
In interdisciplinary subjects such as fusion energy, training PhD students is a complex task. Llion Marc Evans describes how being part of the Fusion Doctoral Training Network has helped him develop as a researcher.

Case study: Playing it safe with reactors
With new nuclear reactors on the horizon, Mike Yule explains why helping to keep the UK's existing plants running safely is a great job for a physicist.

Case study: A fresh look at nuclear
A new industry-wide graduate scheme aims to get the next generation of nuclear scientists thinking about community and environmental issues from the outset. Susie Hay and Michael Kelk describe the "nucleargraduates" programme.

Case study: Generating job options
There are numerous opportunities for physics graduates within the nuclear-power industry, and British Energy's graduate training scheme provides a way of sampling them all, as James Eberlein explains.