The Henry Royce Institute
The Henry Royce Institute

UK Atomic Energy Authority

UKAEA researches fusion energy and related technologies, with the aim of positioning the UK as a leader in sustainable nuclear energy. We are an executive non-departmental public body, sponsored by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Home / Our Partners / UK Atomic Energy Authority

UKAEA’s Materials Research Facility (MRF) prepares and examines samples of radioactive materials to assess their performance in nuclear reactors. It is part of the UK Government’s National Nuclear User Facility and the Henry Royce Institute for Advanced Materials.

The materials inside reactors face a unique combination of high temperatures and fast-moving neutrons produced by nuclear reactions. Developing materials that can survive for long periods in these conditions is therefore a high priority for the nuclear industry.

Data from the MRF is used in three main ways:

  • Making existing nuclear power stations safer and helping to extend their operational life;
  • Informing the design of future generations of UK fission reactors;
  • Developing prototype fusion power plants, in particular the European DEMO reactor.

We have a range of capabilities for processing and analysing radioactive samples. We have microscopy and mechanical and thermo-physical testing equipment, with more coming online soon. We can take samples up to TeraBecquerel levels and cut these down in hot cells to much smaller specimens. These can then be used for analysis and tests either here on-site in shielded enclosures or in university laboratories. There is also an experimental area for tritium, beryllium and other hazardous materials. Find out more about using the MRF and how to apply for access.

MRF Website

Discover More

Core Facilities

Royce facilities at UKAEA are situated within the Materials Research Facility and are part of the UK Government’s National Nuclear User Facility (NNUF) initiative. The investment from Royce represents an important component of its Nuclear Materials research theme.

Materials Research Facility

UKAEA’s Materials Research Facility (MRF) prepares and examines samples of materials to assess their suitability for use in nuclear reactors. We offer affordable, convenient access for users from fission, fusion and other research programmes – bridging the gap between university and nuclear licensed site laboratories.
Learn More

Technology Platforms

Royce Technology Platforms are groupings of cutting-edge facilities and expertise. Each Platform has a Technology Platform Lead responsible for developing and enhancing the facilities and supporting related research activities which utilise Royce Equipment.

Non Actinide Irradiated Materials Handling, Characterisation and Testing

The Non Actinide Irradiated Materials Handling, Characterisation and Testing Platform facilitates preparation, characterisation and testing of β/γ radioactive materials. It bridges the gap between low activity university facilities and the high activity licensed nuclear sites.
Learn More

Core Research Areas

Nuclear Materials

The Nuclear Materials research area aims to help increase the UK’s existing economic strengths and competitive advantages in nuclear energy, and support its net-zero ambitions, by enabling innovation in research on radioactive materials.

Next generation fission and fusion power stations require development of more resilient materials due to the increased demands they place on materials, from corrosion to high radiation fields and severe thermal loads.

This research also enhances modelling across length and time scales to aid in the development of new codes and standards, which will positively benefit new nuclear build and potentially have impact across multiple sectors.

Learn More

Core Research Areas

Imaging & Characterisation

The Imaging and Characterisation research area aims to provide access to the cutting-edge techniques across the entire scope of Royce’s research areas. This includes the specific expertise needed to describe and quantify the structure and properties of such a broad range of advanced materials. These techniques provide vital information to accelerate and support materials optimisation to improve performance, production, functionality and sustainability.

The applications of the Imaging and Characterisation capability across the partner institutes spans and complements the entire scope of Royce’s research areas and are vital in accelerating the development of advanced materials.

Learn More

Our Equipment

Newsletter Signup
Powered by  GDPR Cookie Compliance
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.