New Nuclear Research And Development Alliance Welcomes University Of Glasgow Brains
Researchers from the University of Glasgow are part of a new strategic alliance in nuclear research and development.
University of Glasgow colleagues led by Professor David Flynn from the James Watt School of Engineering have contributed their expertise to the ATLAS Alliance, who have been awarded a framework agreement from the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), the UK’s independent nuclear regulator.
Over the next four years, the ATLAS Alliance, which is led by TÜV SÜD Nuclear Technologies, will work to address the requirements of the ONR Technical Support Framework Agreement.
The group consists of a highly experienced network of professionals whose careers have revolved around nuclear safety, assurance and the establishment of a nuclear safety culture across the entire nuclear lifecycle from new build through to decommissioning.
Glasgow’s contribution to the Alliance will build on the University’s long track record of strategic partnership with the nuclear sector, both in fundamental nuclear research and in creating new enabling technologies for the sector’s demands.
Professor Flynn, who is the University of Glasgow’s ATLAS Alliance’s academic lead and chief scientist, said: “We’re pleased to be part of the ATLAS Alliance, a multi-million pound strategic partnership which will create world- leading solutions for asset management challenges in the nuclear sector.
“An interdisciplinary team of experts from the University of Glasgow will collaborate closely with this innovative industrial supply chain of partners to deliver impactful research solutions for high consequence environments.
“Our expertise in asset management and connectivity aligns with several strategic priorities of the ONR framework. We look forward to collaborating with the ONR and commercial alliance partners on creating new knowledge and tailoring next-generation solutions for the specific demands of the nuclear sector.”
TÜV SÜD staff have the role of Technical Lead in a range of areas including:
Chemistry
Criticality
Leadership and Management of Safety
Mechanical Engineering
Radiological Protection & Emergency Preparedness
Radwaste Management & Decommissioning
Protective Security
Cyber Security
The Alliance also covers other engineering and technical services such as:
Control and Instrumentation
Electrical Engineering
Human Factors
Internal Hazards
Probabilistic Safety Assessment
Structural Integrity
Safeguards
Each of the five core members of the ATLAS Alliance have long standing relationships with the ONR and have been involved in projects in support of the ONR through the previous framework arrangement that delivered approximately £4M worth of technical support to the ONR.
Dr Karen Hildred at TÜV SÜD said: “The award of this Framework shows that ONR have confidence and trust in our technical capabilities and ability to deliver complex technical services to a high standard. This is a great achievement for TÜV SÜD and gives us the chance to collaborate with the other consortium members in ensuring the safety and security of the UK nuclear industry.”
TÜV SÜD Nuclear Technologies are leading the alliance, whose core members are TÜV SÜD, Capgemini, GRS and Corporate Risk Associates Ltd (CRA). A number of additional companies will provide specialist support to the ATLAS Alliance, bringing additional capacity and strengthening the capability offered by the core companies during the framework.