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Nuclear science has played a key role throughout humanity including medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring and the energy industry. Come and engage with our expert speakers and interactive demos to find out how the structure of the nucleus led to the creation of life in the universe and how atomic scale modelling will help to resolve the concerns associated with nuclear power. Note: Homemade pizzas will be available to purchase. Vegan and vegetarian options are available but there is no gluten free option.
Nuclear cluster physics: The answer to the question of life
Stuart Pirrie
(Postgraduate Research Student, University of Birmingham)
Since 1911, the atomic nucleus has had a key role in the understanding of nature from the most fundamental particles. As physics goes smaller and smaller through particle physics, the role of nuclear physics is to explain the behaviour of this structure that makes up almost everything we observe. One phenomenon that facilitates that is nuclear clustering, the formation of sub-structures within the nucleus that also created the pathway for life to form in the Universe.
Computer modelling of nuclear fuel and related materials
Dr Mark Read
(Senior Lecturer in Computational Solid State Chemistry, University of Birmingham)
After a brief comment on climate change and the UK Government’s commitment to reduce our carbon emissions to 80% below 1990 levels by 2050, viable ‘clean energy’ options will be discussed. Of these, the focus will then switch to nuclear generated electricity and the pros and cons. Following a quick appreciation of how a nuclear reactor works, Mark will introduce his research into the computer modelling of nuclear fuel and ceramics to immobilise the radioactive waste.
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