Research
Research and Development (R&D) helps Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) understand how radioactive waste can be managed and disposed of safely. Our scientists and engineers work with leading organisations in the UK and around the world to build knowledge, improve disposal solutions and protect people and the environment for future generations.
Research & Development at NWS
Managing radioactive waste safely is a long-term challenge that will last for generations. To meet this challenge, Nuclear Waste Services’ specialist scientists and engineers undertake Research and Development in radioactive waste management and disposal.
Working with our supply chain and leading universities, our experts study how radioactive waste and the engineered materials designed to contain it may change over time, and how they may interact with the surrounding environment. NWS combines this research with evidence from around the world to support informed decisions and demonstrate that radioactive waste can be disposed of safely.
Why do we need Research & Development?
The safe disposal of radioactive waste depends on strong scientific evidence and a clear understanding of how it will behave over time. R&D provides this evidence, giving confidence that radioactive waste can be disposed of safely, both now and in the long term. It helps NWS answer important questions about how radioactive waste, disposal materials and the surrounding environment may change over time, reduce uncertainty and respond to new challenges.
R&D enables NWS to continually improve its approach by working with international experts, utilising cutting-edge scientific experiments and testing new and innovative technologies to make radioactive waste management and disposal easier and more affordable,while maintaining strict standards of safety.
What do we do?
NWS undertakes R&D across a range of disciplines, including the geology and environments around a disposal facility, the waste and materials placed inside it, the engineering needed to build it, and the scientific models used to demonstrate safety. Together, this research helps NWS to:
- Develop the evidence needed to safely manage and dispose of radioactive waste.
- Study how radioactive waste, disposal materials and the underground environment may behave over time.
- Improve disposal solutions through research, innovation and new technology.
- Work with leading universities, specialist organisations and international research programmes.
- Use knowledge and experience from around the world to support informed decisions and future planning.
How do we deliver our Research & Development?
NWS delivers its R&D through various routes, both within the UK and internationally, to provide access to the best possible organisations and people. We deliver this work through:
- Our own internal specialist scientists and engineers.
- Commissioning work with the radioactive waste disposal supply chain and research organisations.
- Building academic partnerships with, and funding research at universities and academic institutes.
- International collaboration, including funding research experiments in established underground research laboratories and working with international waste management organisations through international research programmes.
- International cooperation, such as establishing cooperation agreements with our international counterparts and taking part in key international forums.