Dr Connor Beer has been announced 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.
Dr Beer’s research addresses a central challenge facing the nuclear sector, namely how to qualify innovative fuel materials in an environment where access to in-reactor testing is increasingly constrained. His PhD established a mechanistic framework for interpreting radiation damage in nitride fuels, linking energy deposition, microstructure, and temperature. A paper based on his research was published in journal Acta Materialia.
UK candidates were assessed by a Nuclear Institute team headed by Professor Laurence Williams OBE FREng FNucI, a member of the ENS High Scientific Council.
Speaking about winning the award, Connor said:
“I’m really grateful to receive this award and to be nominated to represent the UK at the European level. This work was shaped by a fantastic group of supervisors, collaborators, and facilities across the UK and Europe, and I feel very fortunate to have been part of that.
My PhD focused on understanding how materials relevant to advanced nuclear fuels respond to radiation, with the aim of helping accelerate their development and qualification. It’s exciting to have the opportunity to represent the UK and share this work on a wider European stage."
European Nuclear Society PhD Award
The European Nuclear Society (ENS) organises an annual award to recognise an outstanding PhD thesis work. The ENS High Scientific Council (HSC) acts as the Selection Committee, and the Nuclear Institute, as the UK Member of the ENS, nominates the UK candidate for this prestigious award.
The winner of the UK competition receives:
- Shortlisting for the European final in Brussels with a chance to win €2000 prize, present and be published in open access journal EPJ Nuclear Sciences & Technologies (EPJ-N)
- Invitation to contribute a technical paper to the Nuclear Future journal
- Invitation to the Nuclear Institute Awards Ceremony 2026.
The UK competition for the 2027 Award will open later this year.