University’s nuclear supremo to join NNL
LEADING nuclear expert Professor Andrew Sherry is to leave his role in academia to join the National Nuclear Laboratory, the government-owned Warrington-based organisation.
Prof Sherry will join NNL in January as chief science and technology officer after more than 10 years at The University of Manchester, latterly as director of the University’s Dalton Nuclear Institute.
He will succeed Prof Graham Fairhall, who is retiring at the end of March 2015.
NNL managing director, Paul Howarth, said: “Many of us in NNL have worked very closely with Andrew during his 17 years in the nuclear industry and the past decade at The University of Manchester and we have appreciated his experience and tremendous technical knowledge, his great insight, his passion for the industry and for inspiring others, and his talent for explaining complex issues at all levels. We are very much looking forward to welcoming Andrew into the NNL family.”
Prof Sherry added: “I am delighted to take up the role of NNL’s Chief Science and Technology Officer at a time of considerable opportunity for the UK nuclear sector through a resurgent domestic programme and international engagement. I am grateful to Graham Fairhall who has contributed so much to strengthen NNL’s science base and built links with universities and industry.
“I look forward to working with the excellent NNL staff and all academic and industrial partners to ensure NNL has the capability it needs to deliver scientific excellence and innovation within the global nuclear sector, to undertake internationally leading R&D, and to provide independent and authoritative advice on nuclear matters.”
Energy and climate chamge minister Baroness Verma said: “Andrew Sherry has supported the implementation of the Government’s Nuclear Industrial Strategy in his role as director of the Dalton Nuclear Institute and had a significant impact on nuclear communications through the Nuclear Industry Council. It’s excellent news that he is to remain in the UK’s vital nuclear research sector and I look forward to working with him in his new role.”
Based on Birchwood Park, NNL offers technical support and research to the nuclear sector. Its activities include reducing the cost of clean-up and decommissioning, maintaining skills and attracting talented new people to the industry.
