University launches £2m nuclear control room simulator

Lancaster University has unveiled a £2m nuclear facility control room simulator designed to give students real-world experience in disciplines including nuclear engineering and cyber security.

The pioneering facility, believed to be the first of its kind in the UK because of its highly reconfigurable nature and ability to simulate a variety of reactor designs, is expected to support the nation’s clean energy ambitions and help strengthen future nuclear safety.

Funded through a £2m grant from the Office for Students, the Lancaster University Nuclear Operations Simulator will support teaching across a range of disciplines aimed at addressing nationally critical skills gaps.

Professor Rebecca Lingwood, deputy vice-chancellor at Lancaster University, said: “This facility will augment Lancaster’s long-established strength across disciplines such as nuclear engineering and cyber security, providing our students with a truly excellent learning experience.

“Lancaster University plays a vital role as an economic anchor institution in north-west England and this facility will further enable us to help deliver a new generation of young people equipped with the skills needed to support a low-carbon energy sector vital for national energy security, as well as a critical sector for the region’s economy.”

The university says the simulator will be an invaluable teaching tool, enabling students to put into practice theory from undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programmes.

Prof Paul Smith, chair in networking and lead researcher on the project, said: “This high-fidelity simulator will enable us to create simulations of scenarios where nuclear facilities come under cyber attack, providing valuable in-depth learning experiences for our cyber security students.”

Dr Samuel Murphy, director of studies for nuclear engineering at Lancaster University, said: “This exciting and deeply immersive new facility will greatly enhance the experience and learning opportunities for students on our nuclear engineering programmes, helping to maintain Lancaster’s position as a leading provider of nuclear education in the UK.”

The facility will be ready for teaching from the start of the next academic year.