Fast and Robust Surrogate Modelling for Risk-Critical Engineering Systems
Edoardo Patelli · University of Strathclyde
Rapid, uncertainty-aware surrogate models that replace expensive simulations with results in seconds, with Rolls-Royce as a potential industry partner.
Industry: Rolls-Royce (sought) | Start: Oct 2026
Causal Discovery for Root Cause Analysis and Risk Prediction
Edoardo Patelli · University of Strathclyde
Causal inference and uncertainty-aware models to identify hidden root causes and predict long-term risk in nuclear infrastructure and associated assets.
Industry: Risktec (sought) | Start: Oct 2026
Embedded Strain Sensors for Process Monitoring and Digital Twinning
Dr Andrew Viquerat · University of Surrey
Embedded fibre-based strain sensors for in-situ monitoring and digital twinning of composite structures in civil and defence nuclear systems, with AWE as industry partner.
Industry: AWE | Closes: 31 Aug 2026
Risk-Aware Tolerance Stack-up & Assembly Philosophies
JC Chaplin (TBC) · University of Nottingham
A new approach for defining robotic assembly philosophies in nuclear manufacturing that accommodates IAEA-style feature safety significance.
Start: Oct 2026
Trustworthy Digital Twins for Nuclear Manufacturing
JC Chaplin (TBC) · University of Nottingham
Verification, validation and uncertainty qualification (VVUQ) for digital twins in nuclear manufacturing, with explicit handling of twin drift.
Start: Oct 2026
Long-Term Digital Threads for Nuclear
JC Chaplin (TBC) · University of Nottingham
Preserving design intent across decades-long lifecycles. A semantic digital thread approach for design, manufacture, inspection, in-service and end-of-life.
Start: Oct 2026
Machine-Finish Surface Textures and Component Integrity
Dr Paul Wood & Dr Urvashi Gunputh · University of Derby
Understanding how machine-finish surface textures and chatter affect residual stress and fatigue life in nuclear heat-resisting alloys, to accelerate qualification of new materials and processes.
Industry: Rolls-Royce (sought) | Start: Oct 2026
Innovative Manufacturing of Nuclear Components
Dr Paul Wood & Dr Urvashi Gunputh · University of Derby
Additive manufacturing of nuclear components to replace forgings, reduce welds, integrate sensors, and demonstrate regulatory compliance.
Closes: 15 July 2026 | Start: Oct 2026
Physics-Based ML & Predictive Digital Twins for Submarines
Angelo R. Maligno · University of Derby
A predictive digital engineering framework integrating ICME, physics-of-failure reliability modelling and AI-assisted digital twins for nuclear submarine systems.
Industry: Partner sought
Control-Aware Active Perception for Underwater Inspection
David Cheneler · Lancaster University
Autonomous underwater inspection systems for assessing the structural integrity of submarines, ship hulls and marine infrastructure using non-destructive testing.
Industry: Sonomatic | Start: Oct 2026
Embedded Edge-Intelligence for Contact-State Estimation
Dr Ziwei Wang · Lancaster University
Real-time tactile inference on resource-constrained embedded hardware for blind insertion, seal engagement and contact-guided manipulation in nuclear maintenance.
Industry: TG0 Ltd | Start: Oct 2026
Shared Autonomy for Resilient Nuclear Decommissioning
Dr Ziwei Wang · Lancaster University
A tele-visual-tactile fusion framework for shared-autonomy teleoperation in contact-rich nuclear decommissioning, built on the Linkerbot platform.
Industry: TG0 Ltd | Start: Oct 2026
Inspection of Maritime Defence Components
Michael Ward · University of Strathclyde
Robotic welding and Wire+Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) of heavy steel components for the nuclear and maritime sector, hosted at the Maritime Supply Chain Innovation Centre.
Industry: Malin Group | Background: EE, ME, Physics, CS
Hyperspectral Imaging of Nuclear Canisters
Ewan Nicolson · University of Strathclyde
Automated in-process ultrasonic inspection of high-integrity welds for BAE Systems submarine geometries. Targets more than 55% reduction in weld process time.
Industry: BAE Systems | Background: EE, ME, Physics, CS
In-Process Weld Inspection during Submarine Build
Paul Murray · University of Strathclyde
Hyperspectral imaging techniques for non-destructive assessment of nuclear canisters, in partnership with Fraunhofer.
Industry: Fraunhofer | Background: EE, ME, Physics, CS