Developing a National Framework for Stakeholder Engagement on SMRs

About the Project

What should an ‘umbrella-level’ stakeholder engagement strategy in a country look like for the deployment of Small Modular (Nuclear) Reactors and how it can be coordinated and aligned across various actors, i.e. government (including local and regional), regulator, supply chain, academia, investors, implementers, etc? The PhD would follow on from the IAEA’s Technical Workshop in June 2026 looking at "Stakeholder Strategies for SMR Deployment: Engagement for the Future”. The PhD would seek to understand the alignment of different interests, motivations as well as concerns and how to address them to create robust and adaptable national strategies.

The student recruited to this project will be part of RAPTOR, a new EPSRC Doctoral Focal Award programme focused on radiation protection, environmental sustainability and nuclear safety. You will be based at the University of Liverpool and will undertake an intensive training programme in year 1 which leads to a PgCert, co-designed and co-delivered by partner institutions and Industry. This PhD programme offers a unique opportunity to join a vibrant, inclusive cohort focused on addressing major interdisciplinary challenges in nuclear science and engineering. It unites leading academic expertise with strong partnerships across the nuclear industry and will train students in nationally critical skills in cutting edge nuclear technologies.

This UKRI funded Studentship will cover full tuition fees (for 2026-27 this is £5,238 pa.) and pay a maintenance grant for 4 years, at an enhanced stipend rate (for 2026-27 this is £26,000 pa.) The Studentship also comes with access to additional funding in the form of a Research Training Support Grant to fund consumables, conference attendance, etc.

UKRI Studentships are available to any prospective student wishing to apply including both home and international students. While UKRI funding will not cover international fees, a limited number of scholarships to meet the fee difference will be available to support outstanding international students.

Candidates will have, or be due to obtain, a Master’s Degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. Exceptional candidates with a First Class Bachelor’s Degree in an appropriate field or significant relevant experience will also be considered.

We want all of our Staff and Students to feel that Liverpool is an inclusive and welcoming environment that actively celebrates and encourages diversity. We are committed to working with students to make all reasonable project adaptations including supporting those with caring responsibilities, disabilities or other personal circumstances. For example, If you have a disability you may be entitled to a Disabled Students Allowance on top of your studentship to help cover the costs of any additional support that a person studying for a doctorate might need as a result. We believe everyone deserves an excellent education and encourage students from all backgrounds and personal circumstances to apply.

Candidates wishing to apply should complete the University of Liverpool application form to apply for a PhD in Physics.

Please review our guide on How to apply for a PhD | Postgraduate research | University of Liverpool carefully and complete the online postgraduate research application form to apply for this PhD project.

Please ensure you include the project title and reference number RAPTOR005 when applying.