Tuesday 13 June 2023

The Nuclear Institute (NI) has today announced its new President for the 2024-2025 year will be Dr Fiona Rayment OBE FNucI. Her nomination was approved by the Board of Trustees at its March 2023 meeting, and she will take over from the current President, Jasbir Sidhu, in January 2024.

Fiona is currently Chief Science and Technology Officer at National Nucear Laboratory (NNL). She has more than 25 years of nuclear industry experience working primarily within operations and strategic planning roles across a number of different nuclear sites, both in the UK and internationally.

She is a Chartered Chemist and engineer with a PhD in chemistry from University of Strathclyde, Glasgow and is a fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering as well as the Royal Society of Chemistry. She has been a Fellow of the Nuclear Institute since 2014.

Fiona recently served as a member of Euratom’s Science and Technology Committee, the Idaho National Laboratory’s Nuclear Science and Technology Advisory Committee, the American Nuclear Society Board and is immediate past chair of the UK’s Nuclear Skills Strategy Group.

Her other roles across the sector include being an NI Trustee, a member of the Nuclear Industry Council and a member of the Office of Nuclear Regulation Chief Nuclear Inspector’s Independent Advisory Panel.

Last year, Fiona was bestowed the Légion d’honneur at an honorary distinction ceremony at the French Embassy in London. Established in 1802 by Napoléon Bonaparte, it is France’s highest distinction and is awarded in recognition of both military and civilian merit. On average, just 10 British nationals per year receive the accolade.

In addition, 2022 saw Fiona announced as the new Patron of Women In Nuclear UK (WiN UK), at a time when a diverse and inclusive workforce is vital to the industry’s success and growth. Fiona continues to champion the exciting career opportunities for women in nuclear and is viewed as a role model by many to aspire to due to her vast accomplishments.

She regularly represents the UK at a number of international meetings, providing keynote / plenary speeches at a variety of international nuclear conferences and is a current vice chair of the OECD NEA’s Steering Committee and Bureau. 

Speaking about her appointment, Fiona commented: “I’m thrilled to be taking up the position as NI’s new President. As the only professional body dedicated to the nuclear sector, I feel honoured to be representing members – many of whom have inspired me and have become great friends.

“Championing all specialisms within nuclear to encourage professional development is something I care passionately about, so I’ll continue to promote the importance of diversity and growth for the sector to keep pushing boundaries.”

Current NI President Jasbir Sidhu said: “I am extremely pleased to be welcoming Fiona as the incoming future President. It is clear that she will bring tremendous energy and insight into the role, and this will really help develop the NI into its next phase, responding to industry needs and supporting our members, regional branches, the YGN and other communities.”

NI CEO Sarah Beacock added: “Fiona is a highly respected leader within the industry and will be a valuable asset to the NI in ensuring we keep up to date with what the industry needs from the Institute. I look forward to working with her to expand our reach and improve our offering to everyone who has chosen a career in the nuclear industry.”