Professor Karl Whittle BSc (Hons) MSc PhD

The development of next generation nuclear materials, which take the experiences developed with previous materials, and using them to develop improved materials. For example, the generation of potential fuel matrices that can be used for longer in a fission core, leading to higher burn up. This area links both fission and fusion technologies, and incorporates new materials developed for use in other applications, such as high-temperature ceramics.

Concurrent with developing enhanced materials for use within a reactor, is the ability to predict how the damaging effects of radiation impacts the long term material stability. For example, how will a new reactor material behave, when being impacted by neutrons/fission fragments within the core? This is not limited to fission reactors, but also extends to fusion reactors, how are materials proposed for use within ITER/DEMO likely to behave at the extremes in temperature and neutron flux?

How zero carbon energy systems can be implemented, developed further and what the key considerations are. How can zero carbon energy systems link with societal change and how technological changes impact energy generation/delivery.

What methods are available to decarbonise energy generation, storage and use? How can decarbonisation be implemented, what are the key challenges and benefits that can be realised?