Radiation protection to lead Liverpool’s Chadwick Institute

The Institute is a major initiative in nuclear innovation named in honour of Nobel Prize winning Sir James Chadwick, who was Chair of Physics at the University and discovered the neutron. It will build on the University’s historic strengths and critical mass of research expertise, innovation facilities and strategic partnerships within the nuclear sector, while looking to the future.

As Institute Director, Professor Bryant brings extensive experience spanning academia, government, industry and international standards organisations. Throughout his career he has worked across the civil nuclear fuel cycle, leading major programmes in radiation protection, environmental permitting, radioactive waste management, emergency planning and nuclear policy including senior leadership roles at Sizewell C and EDF.

Professor Bryant, who will take up his new role in September 2026, is internationally recognised for his work in radiation protection, nuclear policy and stakeholder engagement. He serves on the the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), helping to develop the international system of radiological protection, advises the International Atomic Energy Agency on Stakeholder Engagement and Nuclear Policy and is a member of the UK Government’s Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM). He also holds an Honorary Professorship at the University, where he contributes to research and teaching in radiation protection and nuclear policy.

Professor Bryant is currently Chief Executive Officer of the World Nuclear Transport Institute (WNTI), where he has strengthened collaboration between governments, regulators, industry and international organisations to support the safe, secure and sustainable transport of nuclear and radioactive materials.

Professor Peter Bryant said:

“The future of nuclear innovation will depend not only on outstanding research, but on our ability to connect research with policy, industry and society. The Chadwick Institute has the opportunity to bring these communities together, accelerating innovation, developing future leaders and supporting the safe, secure and sustainable deployment of nuclear technologies.

“I am excited to be joining the University of Liverpool at such an important moment and look forward to working with colleagues and partners across the UK and internationally to establish the Institute as a recognised leader in connecting science, policy and practice.”

Professor Laura Harkness, Pro-Vice Chancellor and Head of the Faculty of Science & Engineering said: 

“I am delighted to welcome Professor Pete Bryant as Director of the Chadwick Institute for Nuclear Innovation. His outstanding reputation, his extensive experience, strategic insight and strong track record of collaboration make him an excellent choice to establish and shape the Institute’s vision and ambition.

“His appointment represents a significant step forward in our commitment to advancing nuclear innovation, developing future talent and strengthening partnerships across the sector.”

The Chadwick Institute will be driven by partnership, with the University already establishing strategic collaborations across the nuclear sector. Formal Memoranda of Understanding are in place with organisations including Sizewell C, Mirion Technologies, the WNTI, and the ICRP, providing a strong platform for collaborative research, innovation and skills development.