Wednesday 13 April 2022

Today, having worked with colleagues from across the sector, the National Nuclear Laboratory announces the re-establishment of the UK Chapter of the Institute of Nuclear Material Management.

The Institute promotes leading research and development as well as the practical application of new concepts, approaches, techniques and equipment for managing nuclear materials. It is dedicated to the safe, secure and effective stewardship of nuclear and radioactive materials and related technologies through the advancement of scientific knowledge, technical skills, policy dialogue, professional capabilities, and best practices.

Founded in 1958, the Institute is an international organisation, supporting 41 professional and student chapters in 14 countries. The UK previously had a Chapter, which waned with the retirement of individuals involved in its inception.

Advanced nuclear technologies offer huge benefits to societal development throughout the world, which has previously been prohibitively expensive for many nations to consider. Managing the materials and facilities throughout the nuclear life cycle is a key focus for INMM, supporting the effective contribution of nuclear to achieve net zero, and effectively manage the legacy from the early periods of the programme. Cost effective delivery of such technology and futureproofing to counter emerging threats requires fresh thinking.

The National Nuclear Laboratory has formed a trailblazer group to re-establish a UK focused Chapter of the INMM, to provide a forum for increasing collaboration and interaction amongst nuclear materials, security and safeguards specialists; and to provide a platform for increased collaboration with US and other international partners. Although led from our Security and Non-Proliferation focus area, the scope of the Chapter aligns strongly with our Clean Energy, Health and Nuclear Medicine, and Environmental Restoration focus areas too.

Commenting on the launch of the UK Chapter, NNL’s Head of Nuclear Security Strategy, Jeremy Edwards said: “This is a really exciting initiative with a primary focus to provide a mechanism for enhanced collaboration within the UK, but importantly the wider access to the global community, and particularly colleagues in the US laboratories working on similar activities. There is tremendous scope for shared learning, and collaboration through the Chapter and increased engagement with INMM.”

Head of Chapter Relations at INMM, Jessica Horton-White, said: “The re-emergence of the United Kingdom’s INMM chapter is an exciting time for the Institute.  We recognize the depth and diversity of knowledge in the UK is extensive and their presence will be an asset to many within the nuclear management field – whether they be professional or student members.”

The UK Chapter of the INMM will provide a forum to enhance domestic engagement on topical areas ranging from facility operations, non-proliferation and arms control, and nuclear security and physical protection.

The Chapter is already planning its first event in conjunction with the Security Division, focusing on the safety, safeguards, and security opportunities for integration to deliver future Small Modular and Advanced Nuclear Technology deployment.

For anyone interested in finding out more about INMM, the benefits of membership; or the UK Chapter please see the UK Chapter LinkedIn page, https://inmm.org/ or contact National Nuclear Laboratory via our website.