Bridging the Gap: Science, Regulation & Diplomacy in Nuclear Policy

Join leading experts for a thought-provoking panel on the future of UK nuclear policy in the era of climate urgency and energy security. This event will explore how science, regulation, and diplomacy shape both national and global nuclear governance. From the UK’s evolving regulatory landscape to international safety standards, from science diplomacy to the innovations transforming the sector, our panel will unpack the forces driving change — and the challenges ahead.

Tea/coffee and cake will be provided.

Speakers

Mark Bassett FNucI CEng is an internationally recognised nuclear professional and is currently a member of the International Nuclear Safety Advisory Group (INSAG). He recently retired from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) after 8 years where he was a Director and the Special Assistant to the Director General for Nuclear Safety, Security and Safeguards – being DG Grossi’s closest advisor on these issues and was the senior UK person at the Agency. His role included dealing with, and providing advice on, a very wide range of complex technical, diplomatic, and political matters in these areas - for example in Ukraine and Iran. Mark has held senior leadership roles in the nuclear sector in the UK public and private sectors, as well as the international civil service, and was Deputy Chief Inspector at the Office for Nuclear Regulation for a number of years with over two decades in ONR where he also held a wide range of roles across all nuclear sectors. While in ONR he also worked extensively on international nuclear issues, including IAEA missions, nuclear safety conventions, and represented the UK on safety standards committees. Mark studied Physics at the University of Manchester.

Craig Jantzen is a UK Diplomat specialising in Science and Technology across Northern Europe and is currently the First Secretary and Regional Manager for the UK’s Science and Innovation Network (SIN) covering the Nordic and Baltic countries. Originally trained and working in nuclear science, Craig made a significant career shift into diplomacy, bringing a strong technical foundation to the UK’s international engagement on science and innovation. He has previously held a range of senior roles across government and international organisations, with a particular focus on energy, climate change, science policy, and nuclear strategy. His work has spanned the promotion of international collaboration in research and innovation, the development of strategic policy on global challenges, and the negotiation of complex diplomatic and technical issues. In his current role, Craig leads UK engagement with partners across Northern Europe to strengthen bilateral and regional cooperation in science and technology, supporting delivery of the UK’s International Technology Strategy and advancing shared priorities in areas such as clean energy, digital innovation, and emerging technologies. He has represented the UK in a variety of international fora, including high-level engagements with research councils, ministries, and multilateral science bodies.

This event is part of our Expert Insights Series...

In celebration of the Dalton Nuclear Institute’s 20th anniversary, this year we are launching our Expert Insights Series. This series brings together leaders from the Dalton Community and our partners to share their views and experiences across the breadth of nuclear with a wider audience. This will provide an exciting opportunity to engage with subject matter experts and broaden your nuclear knowledge.

The series is hosted by the Dalton Champions - members of Manchester's nuclear research community who work to enhance the network. Champions are based throughout the University, representing the many departments in which nuclear related research takes place.

About us

The University of Manchester's Dalton Nuclear Institute brings together the University's community of over 170 PhD researchers, postdocs and fellows, and 120 academics. Spread across three faculties, their work covers the full nuclear fuel cycle, fusion, health and social research. Together this community forms the most advanced nuclear research capability in the UK.