About
Materials performance is fundamental to the nuclear industry in clean up and decommissioning, plant operation and life extension, as well as potential new build.
North West England, and especially Manchester, has been at the centre of world-class research and development associated with the nuclear sector since its inception. The combination of a world class-university with nuclear research as one of its key pillars, and the presence of some of the world’s best known nuclear design and engineering companies make the region a true powerhouse for the sector globally.
Dame Sue Ion OBE FRS FREng / Expert Advisor on the Nuclear Industry
The Materials Performance Centre (MPC) is the largest nuclear materials research centre in UK academia, with over 70 researchers and over £30 million research income. The MPC is a National Centre of Excellence in nuclear materials research and training.
The MPC, established by the BNFL in 2002, has long been committed to a low C future, which is a crucial consideration for current and future power generation.
The proven track record of MPC success is focussed on research to improve materials performance and processing, particularly for nuclear power systems, and on the education of the next generation of scientists and engineers. The MPC maintains a balance between fundamental, cutting edge research and providing practical solutions for current industrial power generation and related needs.
The activities of the MPC include the nuclear materials life-cycle encompassing plant and core materials, waste management and fuel materials.
