Safeguarding fusion: the non-proliferation question
About this Event
Join us in person or online for this Expert Insight session, exploring whether current non-proliferation and regulatory frameworks are ready to keep pace as fusion moves closer to commercial deployment.
Inspired by our recent paper on A new look at non-proliferation for fusion energy, the panel will discuss potential misuse risks across different fusion technologies, gaps in existing regulations, and whether fusion should sit within established nuclear licensing frameworks or have its own regulatory category.
The discussion will consider how regulation can address emerging non-proliferation concerns while remaining proportionate and supporting the development of fusion. Key takeaways may include where the most significant gaps lie and what action can be taken now to ensure non-proliferation considerations are built into the future of fusion energy.
There will be a panel discussion followed by a Q&A, hosted by Dalton Champion Matthew Warner.
Refreshments will be available from 12:30. There will be a selection of tea, coffee and cake.
Join in person or online.
About the panel discussion
Professor Lee Packer, Senior Fellow in Nuclear Science and Technology, UKAEA
Lee Packer is an internationally recognised nuclear science expert, UKAEA Fellow and Fellow of the Institute of Physics, with more than 25 years of research and industrial experience. He leads R&D that supports nuclear technology development, specialising in the neutronics and radiation detection disciplines. He has recently served as an IAEA consultant, based in the Physics Section, where he provided support on Safeguards topics including technical analysis relating to the proliferation considerations of emerging nuclear technologies, such as nuclear fusion or intense accelerator-based neutron sources. Packer has previously led various nuclear groups focussed on radiation transport simulation, nuclear experiments and radiation detection discipline areas. He is an Honorary Professor at the University of Birmingham, where he lectures and conducts research on nuclear fusion-related technology.
Professor Phil Edmondson, Interim Director and UKAEA Chair in Tritium Science and Technology, Dalton Nuclear Institute
Professor Philip Edmondson holds the UKAEA Chair in Tritium Science and Technology at The University of Manchester. His research focuses on tritium separation and recovery, and on tritium–materials interactions for fusion energy technologies. He is also Interim Director of the Dalton Nuclear Institute and Co-Director of the Fusion Engineering Centre for Doctoral Training, reflecting his active role in shaping both the UK fusion research agenda and the development of the specialist skills pipeline required to support future nuclear and fusion programmes. His specific contribution to nuclear skills development includes teaching at MSc level and across Centre for Doctoral Training programmes, supporting a broad cohort of students and early-career professionals from both academic and industrial backgrounds. Professor Edmondson also serves on the Fusion Skills Council and is the UK representative for the Nuclear Energy Agency’s Nuclear Education, Skills and Technology Framework. Prior to joining Manchester, he was a Senior R&D Staff Scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the United States, where he conducted research on nuclear materials for fission and fusion applications. He has worked with a wide range of national and international stakeholders, including UKRI, UKAEA, the US Department of Energy, Westinghouse, Bechtel-Bettis, Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, and others across the nuclear sector.
Dr Nour Hammoud, Research Fellow in Fusion Energy Policy, Dalton Nuclear Institute
Dr Nour Hammoud is a Fusion Policy, Regulation & Non-Proliferation Fellow at The University of Manchester’s Dalton Nuclear Institute. Her research focuses on proliferation and diversion risks associated with fusion energy, including tritium handling, dual-use neutron sources, and export-control vulnerabilities. Nour is part of the Dalton Nuclear Policy Group and holds a PhD in Nuclear Engineering from The University of Manchester and has previously worked with Kyoto Fusioneering and the International Atomic Energy Agency.
This event is part of our Expert Insights Series...
This series brings together leaders from the Dalton Community and our partners to share their views and experiences across the breadth of nuclear with a wider audience. The series is hosted by the Dalton Champions - members of Manchester's nuclear research community who work to enhance the Dalton network. Champions are based throughout the University, representing the many departments in which nuclear related research takes place.
About us
The University of Manchester's Dalton Nuclear Institute brings together the University's community of over 195 PhD researchers, postdocs and fellows, and 120 academics. Spread across three faculties, their work covers the full nuclear fuel cycle, fusion, health and social research. Together this community forms the most advanced nuclear research capability in UK academia.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
