Nuclear energy is essential in achieving the Net Zero goal. This has been emphasised as more governments announce strategic plans of nuclear power plants construction. While welcoming the “AI revolution” and anticipating enormous electricity consumption, nuclear fission sees its biggest potential ever in the next 30 years. At the same time, nuclear fusion is inching closer to commercial viability.

While the global vision for nuclear is clear, the regional realities differ greatly. How are we progressing? Are resources, talent, investment, policy, supply chains, and technology acting as enablers—or barriers? Can global collaboration unlock shared success? And how can we leverage progress in fission to accelerate fusion?

Join our international panel of experts—leaders in nuclear fission, fusion, policy, and communication—as they share insights from their regions and fields. This open and interactive session will explore the broader questions surrounding the global nuclear landscape.

Tea/coffee and cake will be provided.

Speakers

Juan Matthews is a nuclear technology expert with over four decades of experience spanning research, policy, and international industry engagement. He began his career at the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s Harwell Laboratory, specialising in fast reactor and nuclear safety research. He later played a key role in the privatisation of AEA Technology, managing materials and chemistry research, before serving as Regional Director for Asia Pacific in Japan. Juan has also advised UK government departments on energy technology, investment, and the nuclear supply chain. He is currently a Visiting Professor at the Dalton Nuclear Institute.

Princess Mthombeni, widely known as Princy, is a multi-award-winning South African energy activist and founder of Africa4Nuclear, a platform driving public awareness and bold conversations around energy equity and innovation. Recognised globally for her fearless advocacy, Princy is a leading voice in the fight against energy poverty in Africa, reshaping how nuclear power is understood and owned by the people it’s meant to serve.

Alice Cunha da Silva is an innovation lead at Westinghouse Electric Company, driving digital transformation in the nuclear sector. Alice is passionately committed to inspiring the next generation of nuclear professionals and has been named one of the 40 Under 40 by the US Consulate in Rio, recognised for her leadership in clean energy and youth engagement. A TEDx speaker and published author, Alice has focused on innovation strategy, stakeholder engagement, and talent development. Her ongoing advocacy for women in science and clean energy is evident through her involvement with Women in Nuclear scholarships and efforts to attract diverse talent to the nuclear industry.

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.

Registrations are closed

Nuclear and Net Zero: The global status of nuclear