| The future of the UK's last civilian nuclear research reactor : 1964 to ? | | Print | |
 Imperial College London owns and operates the UK's last-remaining civilian research reactor, but the viability of its future is in doubt without support from the sector.
Imperial's CONSORT reactor, operating since 1964 on its campus near Ascot, Berkshire, has a broad portfolio of activities including teaching, training, isotope production research involving specialist materials analysis (trace element) and nuclear data, provision of realistic radiation fields, a calibration facility, and hardness testing. While funding for nuclear education has severely declined over the last decade - today all of the available funding for the UK would not adequately support CONSORT - it is part funded through its income earned from commercial activities and research projects, but this still leaves the College to make up a significant shortfall on the reactor.
Therefore, Imperial College is currently assessing the long term future of the Reactor, and is now looking to stakeholders from all sectors to comment on the requirements for operations beyond 2010. Stakeholder meetings will be held 19-20 October 2004, with a possible follow up in November, at Imperial College's South Kensington campus, in particular to look at the feasibility of creating a Supporters Club for long term sustainability. This is your chance to help retain a unique facility for the UK. The College has already developed a business case and is working closely with consultants on a financial risk assessment. If the College cannot gain committed support by the start of 2005, then a reactor closure programme will be the next activity at CONSORT, a sad start for its 40th anniversary year. Simon Franklin Further information |
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