Projects
[Additional projects may be available and will be shared soon]
1. Large Tandem Accelerator Mass Spectrometer Modelling
This project focuses on the design and optimisation of a next-generation large tandem accelerator mass spectrometer, an instrument identified as a strategic requirement for both academic and industrial nuclear science. Working closely with SUERC and AWE, the student will develop advanced computational models capable of simulating individual accelerator components and whole-system performance. The research will combine Monte Carlo and analytical modelling approaches with targeted experimental measurements to validate predictions against existing accelerator mass spectrometry facilities. Particular emphasis will be placed on ion source performance, beam transport, beam optics and accelerator injection systems. The project will exploit SUERC’s developing ion beam test bench and provide opportunities to contribute directly to experimental hardware design and commissioning. Outcomes will support planning for proposed major UK facilities such as NeuAMS and VENOM and help define performance limits for future 8 MV accelerator systems. The work sits at the interface of nuclear instrumentation, computational physics and applied engineering, providing training highly relevant to national nuclear infrastructure development.
Host Institution: SUERC, University of Glasgow
Supervisors: Stewart Freeman; Richard Shanks; Bjoern Seitz
Lead Supervisor Email: [email protected]
Industrial Partner: Atomic Weapons Establishment
2. Understanding the Redox Chemistry of Aged MOX Pellets
This project addresses one of the UK nuclear sector’s most important materials challenges: understanding the long-term evolution of mixed oxide (MOX) fuels containing plutonium and uranium. Industrial observations have revealed significant changes in surface chemistry and oxidation state during storage, creating uncertainties around future handling, retreatment and storage strategies. The student will synthesise carefully controlled surrogate materials and investigate how composition, oxidation state, crystal chemistry and environmental conditions influence redox behaviour. Advanced analytical methods including spectroscopy, diffraction, microscopy and mass spectrometry will be integrated with reactor-based experiments and theoretical modelling. Close interaction with Sellafield, UKNNL and a linked computational PhD will provide a unique multidisciplinary environment. The work will generate mechanistic understanding of oxidation pathways, contaminant effects and gas-solid interactions relevant to the UK plutonium inventory. Outcomes will directly inform evidence-based management of nuclear materials and contribute to safer long-term storage and future treatment strategies.
Host Institution: Chemistry, University of Glasgow
Supervisors: Joy H. Farnaby; Emma K. Gibson
Lead Supervisor Email: [email protected]
Industrial Partner: UK National Nuclear Laboratory, Sellafield Ltd
3. Surface Activity Investigations of UO2–ThO2 Mixtures as Surrogates of Stored PuO2
The UK possesses the world’s largest civilian plutonium inventory, creating an urgent need to understand how plutonium dioxide evolves during long-term storage. This project investigates the interaction of water and reactive gases with uranium-thorium oxide surrogate materials that mimic plutonium dioxide behaviour. Using advanced surface-sensitive techniques including DRIFTS, FTIR and thermal gravimetric analysis coupled to mass spectrometry, the student will quantify adsorption, desorption and reaction processes that occur on oxide surfaces. Experiments will be conducted in close partnership with UKNNL and Sellafield, allowing direct comparison between surrogate studies and active plutonium investigations. The research aims to identify the chemical forms of water and other adsorbed species that influence gas generation, package pressurisation and long-term storage performance. Results will underpin safety assessments, storage strategies and future repackaging operations for the UK plutonium inventory while providing extensive training in nuclear materials characterisation and active materials research.
Host Institution: Chemistry, University of Glasgow
Supervisors: Emma Gibson; Joy Farnaby
Lead Supervisor Email: [email protected]
Industrial Partner: UK National Nuclear Laboratory, Sellafield Ltd
4. SMARTT-WATER: Sensing, Mapping and Real-Time Trending of Waterborne Contaminants in Nuclear Environments
SMARTT-WATER seeks to transform environmental monitoring within nuclear facilities by developing integrated sensing and predictive management systems for contaminated water environments. The project combines chemistry, environmental science, sensor engineering, mathematics and data science to create autonomous monitoring technologies capable of detecting radionuclides and corrosion-derived metals in real time. The student will develop novel electrochemical sensors, integrate environmental datasets such as groundwater and weather information, and construct predictive analytical frameworks capable of identifying contaminant trends before they become operational risks. A major goal is the development of digital twin capabilities for nuclear water systems, enabling continuous virtual representations of complex environmental processes. Industrial collaboration provides access to realistic deployment environments and operational datasets. The project supports national priorities in environmental protection, digitalisation and remote monitoring while providing training in sensing technologies, advanced analytics and predictive modelling relevant to nuclear decommissioning and environmental stewardship.
Host Institution: Chemistry, University of Glasgow
Supervisors: Alexey Ganin; Vinny Davies; Joy Farnaby
Lead Supervisor Email: [email protected]
Industrial Partner: P-BLOCK Ltd
5. Multimodal Radiation Imaging for Non-Destructive Classification of Nuclear Waste and Legacy Nuclear Installations
This project develops a next-generation multimodal imaging platform for the characterisation of nuclear waste and legacy facilities. Current approaches often rely on single measurement techniques that cannot fully resolve complex waste inventories. The research will integrate cosmic-ray muon tomography, gamma spectroscopy, beta detection and neutron measurements into a unified imaging framework. Advanced Bayesian and machine-learning methods will combine information from multiple sensors to generate three-dimensional reconstructions of waste containers and infrastructure. The technology will improve identification of high-density materials, fissile inventories and radionuclide distributions without opening containers or exposing personnel to additional hazards. Applications extend from waste classification and facility decommissioning to safeguards and non-proliferation monitoring. The student will gain expertise in radiation detection, imaging science, Monte Carlo simulation, artificial intelligence and nuclear instrumentation while contributing directly to challenges facing the UK and global nuclear industries.
Host Institution: Physics, University of Glasgow
Supervisors: Bjoern Seitz; David Mahon
Lead Supervisor Email: [email protected]
Industrial Partner: Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Nuclear Restoration Services
6. Deployable Robotic Sensor System for Nuclear and Industrial Decommissioning
This project aims to create an autonomous robotic platform capable of carrying advanced radiation sensors into inaccessible or hazardous environments. Building on compact gamma spectrometry systems developed at the University of Glasgow, the student will integrate radiation detectors, robotic navigation systems and machine-learning algorithms into a deployable industrial solution. The system will generate spatially resolved radiation maps and radionuclide identifications inside pipes, ducts, legacy infrastructure and contaminated industrial assets. The research addresses major challenges in nuclear and oil-and-gas decommissioning, where conservative assumptions frequently drive unnecessary waste disposal costs and operational delays. By enabling direct internal characterisation, the technology has potential to improve safety, reduce environmental impact and lower decommissioning expenditure. Training spans detector physics, robotics, artificial intelligence, instrumentation and industrial deployment, creating a highly interdisciplinary skillset relevant to future nuclear workforce needs.
Host Institution: Physics, University of Glasgow
Supervisors: Bjoern Seitz; Richard Gray
Lead Supervisor Email: [email protected]
Industrial Partner: Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Nuclear Restoration Services
7. Positive Ion Mass Spectrometry – Dissolved Inorganic Carbon for tracing historical releases and monitoring of ground waters around nuclear sites
PIMS-DIC will develop a novel analytical capability for measuring radiocarbon in dissolved inorganic carbon within groundwater and aquatic systems. The project exploits Positive Ion Mass Spectrometry, a patented SUERC technology that combines high sensitivity with operational simplicity. The student will design and validate new sample preparation systems, integrate them with PIMS instrumentation and apply the resulting workflow to real-world nuclear environmental monitoring challenges. The method aims to reduce sample volumes, improve detection limits and dramatically accelerate analysis compared with existing approaches. Applications include tracing historical releases, monitoring groundwater transport pathways and supporting long-term environmental stewardship around nuclear sites. Working closely with Sellafield and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, the project will contribute directly to improved site characterisation and decommissioning decision-making while providing extensive experience in analytical chemistry, radiocarbon science, instrumentation development and environmental monitoring.
Host Institution: SUERC, University of Glasgow
Supervisors: Pauline Gulliver; Derek Fabel; Richard Shanks; Cam McIntyre; Elaine Dunbar; Kieran Tierney
Lead Supervisor Email: [email protected]
Industrial Partner: Sellafield Ltd
8. Pushing the Frontiers of Ultra-Trace Plutonium Isotope Measurements in Environmental Samples
This project seeks to establish new frontiers in plutonium isotope analysis by developing analytical approaches capable of measuring ultra-trace quantities of plutonium in environmental archives. The research combines nuclear chemistry, environmental radioactivity, isotope geochemistry and advanced mass spectrometry. The student will investigate isotope systems including 239Pu, 240Pu, 241Pu and 242Pu to distinguish signatures associated with weapons testing, reactor operations, fuel reprocessing and nuclear accidents. Emphasis will be placed on improving detection limits, reducing analytical blanks and enhancing isotope ratio precision through advanced radiochemical purification and measurement protocols. Environmental archives including soils, sediments, aerosols and fallout materials will be analysed to reconstruct nuclear contamination histories and transport pathways. Outcomes will strengthen capabilities in nuclear forensics, safeguards and environmental monitoring while providing advanced training in TIMS, MC-ICP-MS and ultra-clean laboratory methodologies.
Host Institution: SUERC, University of Glasgow
Supervisors: Darren Mark; Alan Creswell
Lead Supervisor Email: [email protected]
Industrial Partner: Thermo Scientific
9. Next-Generation Mass Spectrometry for Nuclear Isotope Measurement Across the Nuclear Fuel Cycle
This project focuses on developing advanced isotope measurement capabilities using state-of-the-art Thermal Ionisation Mass Spectrometry and Multicollector ICP-MS platforms. The research addresses key challenges across the nuclear fuel cycle, including safeguards verification, spent fuel characterisation, nuclear forensics and environmental monitoring. The student will investigate actinide and lanthanide isotope systems that preserve information about enrichment, irradiation history, reactor operation and reprocessing pathways. Novel analytical workflows will be developed to combine ultra-high precision isotope measurements with enhanced sensitivity and multi-element capabilities. By integrating complementary mass spectrometric technologies, the project aims to establish new approaches for reconstructing nuclear material histories and supporting future safeguards activities. Training will encompass isotope geochemistry, radiochemistry, analytical instrumentation and nuclear science, producing expertise directly relevant to industry, regulators and national laboratories.
Host Institution: SUERC, University of Glasgow
Supervisors: Darren Mark; Stewart Freeman
Lead Supervisor Email: [email protected]
Industrial Partner: Thermo Scientific
10. 241Pu–241Am Age Dating of Nuclear Materials
This project develops next-generation methods for determining the age of plutonium-bearing materials using the radioactive decay relationship between 241Pu and 241Am. Age dating is a cornerstone of nuclear forensic science because it reveals the time elapsed since chemical purification or processing. The student will investigate how plutonium chronometry can be extended to microscopic particles and ultra-trace environmental samples, areas that remain major analytical challenges. Advanced radiochemical separations and high-precision isotope measurements using TIMS, MC-ICP-MS and AMS will be combined to improve accuracy, sensitivity and forensic interpretation. Environmental samples, fallout particles and reference materials will be analysed to evaluate the robustness of chronometric approaches under diverse conditions. The project will deliver new analytical methodologies relevant to safeguards, non-proliferation monitoring and environmental assessment while providing advanced training in nuclear analytical science and isotope measurement.
Host Institution: SUERC, University of Glasgow
Supervisors: Darren Mark; Dan Barfod; Stewart Freeman
Lead Supervisor Email: [email protected]
Industrial Partner: Thermo Scientific
11. Development of orbitrap–accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) coupling for ultra-sensitive tracking of radiolabelled ¹⁴C Compound
This project will develop a novel analytical platform combining high-resolution Orbitrap mass spectrometry with accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) to enable molecular-level detection and quantification of radiolabelled ¹⁴C compounds at ultra-trace levels. The approach will integrate chromatographic separation and Orbitrap-based structural identification with AMS quantification, allowing compound-specific radiocarbon analysis in complex matrices.
The project will focus on methodological development, including coupling strategies (offline and/ or semi-online workflows), optimisation of carbon transfer and quantification, and data integration between molecular and isotopic measurements. The resulting platform will provide unprecedented sensitivity and specificity for tracking ¹⁴C-labelled species.
A key application could be the study of ¹⁴C released from nuclear-related activities and its transformation within natural environments, for example investigating how radiocarbon associated with the Royal Naval Armaments Depot Coulport (Loch Long) is incorporated, transformed, and metabolised within the aquatic ecosystem of the loch. This will provide new insight into carbon cycling, environmental impact, and the long-term behaviour of radiocarbon in nuclear-influenced environments.
Host Institution: University of Edinburgh
Supervisors: Dr Maya Al Sid Cheikh, Dr Stewart Freeman, Dr Richard Shank, Dr Douglas Morrison
Lead Supervisor Email: [email protected]
Industrial Partner: TBC
12. Development of Advanced TQ-ICP-MS Methods for Radiocaesium in Complex Environmental Matrices
This project will examine the use of triple quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (TQ-ICP-MS) as a novel alternative to conventional gamma spectroscopy for the analysis of radiocaesium in environmental samples. The research will focus on developing and validating methods for the determination of key radiocaesium isotopes, particularly ¹³⁷Cs, ¹³⁵Cs and ¹³⁴Cs, in complex environmental matrices, including marine, salt marsh, freshwater sediments, soils and marine organism tissues.
Radiocaesium is both an important contaminant and a valuable tracer in environmental radioactivity studies, but its measurement by gamma spectroscopy can be limited by long counting times, matrix effects, and poor sensitivity at low activity concentrations. TQ-ICP-MS offers the potential for lower detection limits and improved isotope ratio measurements, making it a promising approach for the analysis of radiocaesium in challenging environmental samples.
The student will develop and optimise methods for sample preparation, chemical separation, instrumental operation, and analytical validation, while also comparing TQ-ICP-MS performance with established gamma spectroscopic approaches. The aim is to establish robust methods that can support environmental monitoring following nuclear incidents, strengthen radioecological assessment, improve understanding of radiocaesium behaviour in coastal and aquatic systems, and inform legacy waste management, decommissioning, and the long-term stewardship of environments affected by historic nuclear activities.
Host Institution: University of Edinburgh
Supervisors: Professor Margaret Graham, Dr James Watt, Dr Kieran Tierney
Lead Supervisor Email: [email protected]
Industrial Partner: Thermo Fisher