Fusion Diagnostics: A Leap Forward for the UK’s Clean Energy Future
First Light Fusion has successfully completed a reactor diagnostic feasibility study as part of the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s £55M Fusion Industry Programme. This milestone is more than a technical achievement, it signals the UK’s commitment to advancing fusion energy, a technology that promises limitless, carbon-free power.
The study focused on developing advanced diagnostic systems to monitor and optimise fusion reactions. These tools are critical for scaling fusion from experimental setups to commercial reactors, ensuring safety, efficiency, and reliability.
Why does this matter for nuclear careers?
Fusion is no longer a distant dream; it’s becoming a career-defining frontier. Engineers, physicists, data scientists, and project managers will all play pivotal roles in transforming these breakthroughs into operational power plants. The UK’s investment in fusion innovation creates opportunities for professionals to shape the future of energy security and sustainability.
Key Takeaways for Industry Leaders and Job Seekers:
- Diagnostics are the backbone of fusion progress, enabling precise control and performance optimisation.
- The UK’s £55M programme demonstrates strong governmental and industrial support for fusion technology.
- Careers in fusion will demand cross-disciplinary expertise, from nuclear engineering to AI-driven analytics.
Fusion is not just about science; it’s about building an ecosystem of talent ready to tackle the world’s most pressing energy challenges. Those who invest in skills today will lead the clean energy revolution tomorrow.
Picture: First Light Fusion
Fusion of Talent: Celebrating Women in Computing
On 4th November 2025, UKAEA hosted Fusion of Talent at Culham Campus—a one-day event spotlighting the diverse roles and contributions of women and underrepresented genders in computing. The programme featured:
- Keynote by Alison Kennedy on diversity’s impact in computing.
- Inspiring talks from early-career professionals.
- A poster session showcasing research and experiences.
- A panel discussion tackling barriers and opportunities for inclusivity.
The event fostered networking, collaboration, and open dialogue on how diversity drives innovation in sectors like high-performance computing and nuclear safety. It welcomed allies and advocates from academia, industry, and government, reinforcing the message: representation matters for the future of tech and energy.
UK Atomic Energy Authority – GOV.UK
We are thrilled to invite you to a one-day celebration of the diverse contributions of women in computing. The event will highlight the plurality of roles available in across the sector, from academia to industry, placing the spotlight on a variety of career stages. There will be open conversations on the challenges which remain to increase diversity.
The event is open to all! We welcome champions of diversity: allies, minority and underrepresented groups alike. Whether you’re studying, or working in academia, government or industry, your perspective matters.
Additionally, there will be networking opportunities specifically for underrepresented genders in computing (e.g. women, non-binary and genderfluid people).
https://ukaeaevents.com/fusion-of-talent-women-in-computing/
Picture credit: UKAEA
Join us for UKAEA’s 15th Suppliers’ Event on 6 November 2025 at Culham Campus.
This event is open to current and potential suppliers. It will provide a commercial overview of our key programmes and projects.
You will also be able to:
- visit exhibition stands
- speak with UKAEA representatives
- network with professionals from large organisations and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across a range of sectors
Who should register?
This event is open to suppliers representing large organisations or SMEs whose capabilities align with the fusion energy sector and related technologies. If your organisation is contributing to or exploring opportunities in this field, we encourage you to register and take part.
A maximum of two tickets per organisation will be permitted.
Tickets will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, in line with the criteria outlined above.
Registration
You must register by completing the registration form. We encourage you to be logged into Indico (the web-based event management system hosting this site) to register.
https://indico.ukaea.uk/event/503/overview
