Leading volunteers in the nuclear sector were recognised at the second Nuclear Institute Volunteer Awards ceremony on 23 September at Crewe Hall. The event brought together our volunteers from across the country to honour those who have gone above and beyond in advancing nuclear professionalism, inclusivity, and public trust.
The awards, aligned with the Nuclear Professionalism Standard®, have been developed to demonstrate our commitment to recognising individuals who support our mission: to promote nuclear professionalism and enhance public understanding of nuclear energy.
Encouraging future talent: Young Leader of the Year
The Young Leader of the Year award was presented to Victoria Chan, who led a growing volunteer team and delivered a series of high-profile campaigns including YGN Engines, YGN at 30 and Fission Chips, alongside renewed digital activity that expanded the network’s reach and engagement.
Shortlisted: Chloe McElvaney, Jake Moorman MNucI, Evie Smith and Tobias Williams
Championing inclusion: Excellence in Advocacy of EDI
The Excellence in Advocacy of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) award went to Nicole Lee MNucI. Through her involvement with Women in Nuclear, the Racial Equality in Nuclear network and wider diversity activity, Nicole has used her influence to help keep inclusion at the heart of conversations across the sector.
Shortlisted: Alanna Downing, Dulani Halloluwa
Driving change: Most Outstanding Advocate
Emily Tebbutt won the Most Outstanding Advocate award for her sustained efforts to influence both the sector and public perceptions of nuclear energy.
Her measurable public-engagement work included delivering assemblies to more than 300 students, creating a new educational resource, undertaking more than ten direct engagements and supporting over 40 events.
Shortlisted: Stefan Bozhkov and Dr Sophie Cooper
Honouring a legacy: Lifetime Achievement Award
The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Mervyn Leach FNucI in recognition of 37 years of service to the Nuclear Institute. His enduring contribution includes leading the Membership Committee, supporting professional assessments and interviews, and sharing expertise through the Institute’s webinar programme.
Shortlisted: Clive Smith OBE FNucI, John Clarke FNucI, Prof. Ali Tehrani FNucI and Mark Gardiner MNucI
Celebrating dedication: NI Volunteer of the Year
This award recognises outstanding voluntary contributions that support nuclear advocacy, inclusivity, and active participation in NI activities.
This year’s winner was Dr Sophie Cooper, who established and strengthened the University Network, supported two student societies, served for five years on the North West Branch Committee and led international collaboration between universities.
Shortlisted: Ellie Ford MNucI, Victoria Chan, Sharon Platt FNucI, Amritpal Agar, Ellie Ford MNucI and Alan Davies FNucI
Engaging the next generation: YGN Early Careers Competition
This competition, returning after a successful first year in 2025, gives emerging professionals a platform to share their ideas, build confidence and contribute to the future of the nuclear sector. The winner was Emily Lucas, with second place awarded to Grace Murphy and Ella Jones. Hasin Muhtadi and K.R. Ryan were awarded third place.
Building on the inaugural ceremony in Warrington last year, three new award categories were introduced for 2026 to recognise collective impact, mentoring and collaboration.
Regional Branch of the Year
The Western Branch was named Regional Branch of the Year for delivering the strongest all-round programme of activity. Led by Chair Megan Dean, its achievements in 2026 included a sold-out dinner attended by around 350 people, speed mentoring and speaking competitions, careers outreach, university partnerships and a regular programme of technical events.
Shortlisted: North West, North East
Mentor of the Year
Sukhbinder Singh was named Mentor of the Year for providing practical guidance on chartership, career progression and regulatory affairs, helping others navigate important milestones in their professional development.
Shortlisted: Philip Isgar, Dame Fiona Rayment DBE OBE FNucI, Zahir Esmail
Innovator and Collaborator Award
Jeremy Edwards FNucI received the Innovator and Collaborator Award for building strong cross-sector partnerships between the Nuclear Security Special Interest Group, the Security Institute and the Safety Directors Forum. The collaboration led to webinars, a conference and the development of a professional qualification.
Shortlisted: Prof. Ali Tehrani FNucI, Antonio Di Buono MNucI and Dr Sophie Cooper, Jack Lines
Pinkerton Prize
The Pinkerton Prize, awarded in memory of JB Pinkerton, recognises authors and co-authors of articles of significant technical or scientific merit published in Nuclear Future. JB (John Brownlie) Pinkerton was the founder of the Institution of Nuclear Engineers (INucE). The INucE was one of the predecessor organisations that eventually formed the Nuclear Institute.
The 2026 winners, decided by the NI Editorial Committee, were: Mike Crawforth, Neil Harman, Chloe Howard and David Price for their paper Diverse SMR Siting in the UK, published in Nuclear Future Vol 21.2.
2025 winner Dr Richard Piggin, Nuclear Security Inspector at the Office for Nuclear Regulation, was also awarded his prize for his paper Enhancing Civil Nuclear Cyber Security, published in Nuclear Future volume 20.1.
UK Winner of the ENS PhD Award 2026
Finally, Dr Connor Beer from Orano was celebrated as the UK representative for the European Nuclear Society PhD Award 2026.
Connor graduated from the University of Liverpool in summer 2025 with a PhD thesis entitled Effect of Microstructure and Energy Deposition on Radiation-Induced Modifications in Zirconium Nitride: A Framework for Accelerated Qualification of Advanced Nuclear Fuels.
After winning the UK competition, Connor was shortlisted for the European final in Brussels, where four candidates were due to present their research to the ENS High Scientific Council in autumn 2026.