Ruan Steyn MBA, MSc, PMP has been named the overall winner of the Nuclear Institute’s Top 100 Most Influential Nuclear Professionals 2026, recognising his impact in sharing expertise, leadership and insight across the nuclear sector.
Announced at the Nuclear Institute Volunteer Awards in Crewe on Wednesday 23rd September, the Top 100 list recognises nuclear professionals making a measurable impact through their online presence.
Nominees were independently evaluated using three criteria – audience size, engagement and reach – to provide a consistent, data-led assessment of their online influence.
Ruan, Nuclear Delivery Lead at Sizewell C, was recognised for sharing technical expertise and programme leadership to strengthen nuclear delivery. His experience spans reactor engineering and life extension through to major new-build projects.
“I am honoured to receive this award. It is a privilege to be part of the nuclear industry and we are at an exciting point in our journey, with significant opportunities ahead. My thanks to the Nuclear Institute for its commitment to supporting professionals and helping to shape the future of our sector.”
Robert Gofton, CEO of the Nuclear Institute, said:
“The Top 100 demonstrates the extraordinary breadth of knowledge and leadership across the nuclear community. From technical specialists and educators to communicators and industry leaders, every person recognised is helping to make the nuclear industry more accessible, visible and connected.
“We congratulate all 100 professionals recognised this year, and especially Ruan on being named our overall winner.”
The announcement follows the reveal of the final 10 professionals selected for the 2026 Top 100, whose work spans nuclear communication, energy leadership, decommissioning, fusion, supply chain capability, maritime nuclear, skills and regulation.
The top 10 shortlisted were:
- Ruan Steyn
- Will Shackel
- Emma-Jayne Gooch
- Jayant Bhargava
- Nicole Koch
- Dame Fiona Rayment DBE
- Shengke Zhi
- Dianne Richardson
- Virginia Crosbie
- Chantelle Brown
Those recognised span a wide range of disciplines, including engineering, science, project delivery, communications and industry leadership.
Through sharing technical knowledge, industry insight, career experiences and thought leadership online, these professionals are helping to raise the profile of the nuclear sector, encourage collaboration and inspire the next generation of nuclear talent.
Nuclear professionals could be nominated by an industry peer or nominate themselves.
For more information, visit our Top 100 homepage.
ENDS
For more information and interview opportunities, please contact Heather McKay at Distinctive Communications on heather.mckay@distinctivecomms.co.uk or 07353 960832.