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The Intro to Nuclear event is designed to bring together early career professionals and those new to the nuclear sector, providing an engaging introduction to the breadth and impact of the UK nuclear industry.
The event will be delivered over two carefully structured days. Day One will focus on expert led presentations covering a wide range of nuclear related topics. These sessions will include technical subjects such as Spent fuel, key industry themes including the Nuclear Skills Plan, and less frequently discussed but critically important areas such as nuclear law and space. Together, these talks will offer insight into the technical, operational, strategic, and societal dimensions of the nuclear sector.
Day Two will include a guided site visit to Sizewell A and Sizewell C (SZA & SZC). This visit will give delegates a unique opportunity to experience both a nuclear decommissioning site and a live nuclear new build project, offering first hand insight into the nuclear lifecycle and the scale and complexity of current UK nuclear development.
Throughout the programme, there will be dedicated opportunities for networking, interactive Q&A sessions with subject matter experts, and open discussions that encourage knowledge sharing and connection across disciplines and career stages.
In addition to the two day programme, a social event will be held at the end of Day One. This informal dinner (included in the registration fee) will bring all delegates together in a relaxed setting, enabling further networking, continued discussion, and meaningful engagement within the nuclear community.
The Intro to Nuclear event aims to ensure participants leave with a well rounded understanding of the nuclear sector, its culture, its science, and the ongoing improvements shaping its future while feeling informed, inspired, and connected.
Name: Robert Gunn
Title: Station Director - Sizewell B
Topic: Long Term Operation of a UK PWR: 31 Years of Experience at Sizewell B
Bio: Robert joined Sizewell B as Station Director in September 2020, prior to this Robert was Station Director at Torness Power Station where he had previously been Plant Manager. He has also been the Head of Health, Safety & Environment for EDF, based at the head office in Gloucester. Robert has a first class honours degree in Physics with Management Studies. He also completed a post-grad, with distinction, in Engineering and Project Management. He is a Chartered Physicist and a Chartered Engineer
In the past, he has also held numerous technical and business related roles. These included roles within Engineering, Operations, Projects, Safety, Outage, Maintenance and plant performance.
Name: Katherine Barnes
Title: Barrister, 39 Essex Chambers
Topic: Environmental and Regulatory considerations for Energy Infrastructure
Bio: Katherine Barnes is a barrister specialising in public and regulatory law at 39 Essex Chambers. In relation to energy infrastructure her experience includes strategic advice as well as acting in planning/DCO applications and judicial reviews. She has a particular interest in the nuclear sector both from the regulatory and consenting angle. Current clients include Great British Energy – Nuclear.
Name: Alan Walker
Title: Site Director - Sizewell A & Bradwell
Topic: From generation to hazard reduction, the practical challenges of transitioning from defuelling to the safe delivery of decommissioning.
Bio: Alan Walker is the Site Director for Sizewell A and Bradwell. Alan is a Chartered Engineer who Graduated from Cranfield University. He spent the first 15 years of his career in new product development, designing, developing and manufacturing commercial vehicles and mobile machinery. Engineering Director positions were attained for Ransomes Jacobsen (part of Textron Inc) and Crane Fruehauf Ltd. Alan joined NRS in 2005 at Sizewell A and has delivered multiple projects across the Southeast sites including 7 years during the peak decommissioning of Bradwell and 3 years of Ponds cleanup at Dungeness A involving the pioneering use of divers. A functional perspective of the business was gained as Engineering and Infrastructure Manager at Dungeness A before returning to Programmes as Regional Programme Delivery Manger for Waste Projects in 2021. Alan became Site Director for Sizewell A and Bradwell in April 2024.
Name: Abigail Luxton
Title: Chief of Staff, Great British Nuclear - Energy
Topic: Why SMRs and the role of GBE-N
Bio: Abigail Luxton is a nuclear engineer by background. She studied Mechanical Engineering at Newcastle University before completing a Masters in Nuclear Energy at the University of Cambridge. Before joining GBE-N, she was HM Treasury’s first Head of Nuclear Technology, where she led cross-cutting work on SMRs, AMRs, decommissioning, fuels, international partnerships, skills, enabling technologies, civil-military collaboration, and large-scale nuclear strategy. She also served as a technical adviser on fusion, helping shape the UK’s long-term energy vision. Abigail began her career in the Ministry of Defence, working on the UK’s submarine programme. Her roles took her from Rolls-Royce in Derby to the British Embassy in Washington, D.C., giving her a unique blend of technical, diplomatic, and strategic experience. She joined GBE-N to help turn the vision of the UK’s nuclear sector into reality, driven by a belief that nuclear can and must be a cornerstone of a low-carbon, affordable, and abundant energy future.
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