University of Liverpool Appoints Director to Lead New Chadwick Institute for Nuclear Innovation
The University of Liverpool has appointed Professor Peter Bryant as the first Director of the newly announced Chadwick Institute for Nuclear Innovation.
The major new institute, named in honour of Nobel Prize-winning physicist Sir James Chadwick, will build on the University’s long history of scientific excellence while developing new approaches to nuclear research, innovation and skills.
Sir James Chadwick was Chair of Physics at the University of Liverpool and discovered the neutron in 1932, a breakthrough that transformed understanding of atomic science and helped shape the future of nuclear physics.
The Chadwick Institute for Nuclear Innovation will bring together research expertise, innovation facilities and strategic partnerships across the nuclear sector, with a focus on supporting the safe, secure and sustainable development of future nuclear technologies.
Professor Peter Bryant Brings Decades Of Nuclear Experience
Professor Bryant will take up his new role in September 2026, bringing extensive experience across academia, government, industry and international standards organisations.
Throughout his career, he has worked across the civil nuclear fuel cycle, leading major programmes covering radiation protection, environmental permitting, radioactive waste management, emergency planning and nuclear policy.
His previous leadership roles include work with Sizewell C and EDF, while he is currently Chief Executive Officer of the World Nuclear Transport Institute (WNTI).
At WNTI, Professor Bryant has helped strengthen collaboration between governments, regulators, industry leaders and international organisations to support the safe and secure transport of nuclear and radioactive materials.
He is also internationally recognised for his work in radiation protection, nuclear policy and stakeholder engagement, serving on the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), advising the International Atomic Energy Agency on stakeholder engagement and nuclear policy, and sitting on the UK Government’s Committee on Radioactive Waste Management.
Professor Bryant also holds an Honorary Professorship at the University of Liverpool, contributing to research and teaching in radiation protection and nuclear policy.
Professor Peter Bryant said:
“The future of nuclear innovation will depend not only on outstanding research, but on our ability to connect research with policy, industry and society.
“The Chadwick Institute has the opportunity to bring these communities together, accelerating innovation, developing future leaders and supporting the safe, secure and sustainable deployment of nuclear technologies.
“I am excited to be joining the University of Liverpool at such an important moment and look forward to working with colleagues and partners across the UK and internationally to establish the Institute as a recognised leader in connecting science, policy and practice.”
New Institute To Strengthen Liverpool’s Nuclear Innovation Ambitions
Professor Laura Harkness, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Head of the Faculty of Science & Engineering at the University of Liverpool, welcomed Professor Bryant’s appointment as a significant step forward for the institute.
She said:
“I am delighted to welcome Professor Pete Bryant as Director of the Chadwick Institute for Nuclear Innovation.
“His outstanding reputation, his extensive experience, strategic insight and strong track record of collaboration make him an excellent choice to establish and shape the Institute’s vision and ambition.
“His appointment represents a significant step forward in our commitment to advancing nuclear innovation, developing future talent and strengthening partnerships across the sector.”
The Chadwick Institute will be built around collaboration, with the University already developing strategic partnerships across the nuclear industry.
Formal Memoranda of Understanding are currently in place with organisations including Sizewell C, Mirion Technologies, the World Nuclear Transport Institute and the International Commission on Radiological Protection.
These partnerships will provide a foundation for future collaborative research, innovation projects and skills development as the institute establishes itself as a leading centre for nuclear innovation.
