The University of Strathclyde has joined forces with Kinectrics, a global provider of nuclear lifecycle services based in Canada, to help bolster academic, governmental, and industrial collaborations in the nuclear tech sphere. 

The partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), an essential aspect of which is the development of highly skilled personnel through student training and internships, ensuring the next generation of professionals is equipped to tackle challenges in the nuclear sector.

It will also seek opportunities to support advanced nuclear reactors, including small modular reactors, robotics and autonomous systems, reactor fuel, fusion technologies, medical isotopes, as well as decommissioning and waste management.

“As a leading international technological university, we are proud of our strong links with industry across the globe,” said professor Daryl Landeg, executive director of the Advanced Nuclear Research Centre (ANRC) at the University of Strathclyde.

“We’re delighted to sign this MoU and formalise our working partnership with Kinectrics through the expertise of Strathclyde’s Advanced Nuclear Research Centre.

“As well as fostering innovation, this partnership will offer valuable student training and internships and help develop the next generation of skilled workers.”

Landeg also emphasised the significance of collaborations amid both the UK and Canada’s concerted efforts to make nuclear power a central part of its decarbonisation strategy. 

Nuclear energy, while considered a low-carbon way of producing energy, saves the atmosphere from more than 470 million metric tons of carbon dioxide that would otherwise come from fossil fuels, according to NEI. 

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However, the nuclear energy process creates waste that is radioactive for about 10,000 years afterwards, and the unknown side effects that have on the environment and the risk of possible accidents are not worth the risk. 

“As global power demands are expected to grow 3-4% annually over the next few decades, we are excited to establish international collaborations that will help drive nuclear research,” said David Harris, president and CEO of Kinectrics.

“Building on our relationships with Universities, Kinectrics is pleased to align with the University of Strathclyde to generate innovative solutions that will help create a clean energy future, as well as develop the next generation of technical experts in nuclear-related fields”