Challenges and Solutions: Data Science and the Nuclear Industry (online)

Audience Level: Intermediate

Ideal for participants who have a foundational understanding and are looking to expand their skills. The talks will use specific technical examples and applications.

This session is aimed at:

• People who are interested in data science already or interested in nuclear engineering that could have data science applications
• Academics/researchers who may be able to apply their work in this sphere
• Potential career switchers/people working in data science in the industry already

Session Information:

With recent renewed support for increased nuclear energy production from the government in the UK, there is also a renewed focus on the ways in which we can work effectively and efficiently to streamline processes at all points in the nuclear lifecycle.

There are major challenges facing all stages of the nuclear lifecycle relating to time and cost, as well as upholding the industry’s commitment to safety in every aspect. Data science and digital solutions are tools which can have a positive impact across all of these areas.

The South West Nuclear Hub, based at the University of Bristol, is excited to bring together academics and industry representatives in this workshop to share their insight into data science challenges and solutions adopted by the nuclear industry. These talks will cover how data science already is, and will continue to positively impact current nuclear power plants, new build nuclear reactors and material science as well as fusion technology.

The Teams link will be sent a week before the session.

Intended Learning Outcomes:

• Attendees will gain an awareness of the types of challenges facing data science within the nuclear industry
• Attendees will learn about some ways in which data science is being applied within the nuclear industry, driving innovation and progress within UK civil nuclear projects
• Attendees will be able to discuss how data science solutions can be adapted from other disciplines into the nuclear space, prompting interdisciplinary thinking

Speakers:

Left to right: Chris Truman and Mark Bankhead

Professor Chris Truman, Professor of Solid Mechanics, University of Bristol (He/Him)

Professor Truman is known internationally for his research on the structural integrity of nuclear systems, focussed on high-temperature materials behaviour and welding technology. He is a director of the South West Nuclear Hub and he sits on the EPSRC Strategic Advisory Team (SAT) for Engineering. He is the Bristol lead for the Nuclear Energy Futures (NEF) CDT, has been PI for three EPSRC UK-India civil nuclear projects. He is currently leading a £15M Innovate UK project (ALG) on adapting damage tolerant design methodologies developed in the nuclear sector and for aerospace. He has long standing links with EDF Energy and has managed the EDF High Temperature Centre at Bristol for nearly 20 years.

Chris is a co-investigator on the SINDRI Prosperity Partnership Project (Synergistic utilisation of INformatics and Data centRic Integrity engineering), an EPSRC funded collaboration between the University of Bristol and EDF. SINDRI is developing digital tools to design, fabricate and assess materials and structural integrity in nuclear power plants; increasing safety and reducing cost for the nuclear sector and beyond.

Dr Mark Bankhead, Capability Manager, UKLLN (He/Him)

Dr Mark Bankhead is a technical specialist in Modelling and Simulation. He has 23 years’ experience leading projects in atomic scale nuclear modelling and simulation and nuclear adoption of digital technologies including artificial intelligence and digital twins. He is a chemist with a research background in materials chemistry and catalysis and currently leads NNL’s science and technology research into nuclear enabled hydrogen and alternative liquid fuel production. He has led the AI4Nuclear subgroup for the Nuclear Institute Digital Special Interest Group in Digital (DigSiG) since inception in 2022. Outside of his interest in AI he’s a technical expert in numerical simulation of materials from the molecular scale to continuum and leads a cross-disciplinary research team for NNL on this topic including extensive links to academic research.

Code of Conduct

Please look at our Code of Conduct for all online and in-person events organised by the JGI.

Bristol Data Week 2025

This event is part of Bristol Data Week 2025, organised by the Jean Golding Institute taking place from Monday 2nd June - Friday 6th June. Bristol Data Week is a leading platform for learning, discussion, and collaboration in data science and AI. It brings together researchers, industry experts, policymakers, and community groups to explore the latest advancements in data and technology, addressing real-world challenges and shaping the future of responsible AI.

This year, we will be running a week long series of events featuring:

• Expert-led workshops and training on cutting-edge data science and AI topics.
• Thought-provoking panel discussions with leading voices in the field.
• Opportunities to network with researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers.

Keep up to date with activities happening throughout Bristol Data Week on the Jean Golding Institute website, follow us on Bluesky, LinkedIn and tag us with #BristolDataWeek2025 or #BDW2025.

Please be aware that photography and recording of the sessions may be taking place. Please let us know if you would not like to be filmed by contacting jgi-admin@bristol.ac.uk