Professor Bill Lee Featured in Nuclear Future

As highlighted in the September/October 2024 issue of the Nuclear Institute\’s Nuclear Future magazine.

The September/October 2024 edition of Nuclear Future features an in-depth profile of Professor Bill Lee, whose long and varied career has significantly contributed to nuclear materials research and the development of nuclear skills in the UK. Now an integral part of the Nuclear Futures Institute at Bangor University, Bill reflects on his career, from his early research in radiation damage to his more recent efforts in building research capacity and skills for the next generation of nuclear engineers and scientists.

In the article, Bill traces his path through key roles at Sheffield University and Imperial College London, where he played a pivotal part in revitalising the Department of Materials and establishing successful centres such as the Centre for Advanced Structural Ceramics and the Centre for Nuclear Engineering. Throughout, his focus has been on developing practical solutions in nuclear materials research while ensuring that new generations of researchers are well-equipped to contribute to the sector.

Since joining Bangor University, Bill has helped develop the Nuclear Futures Institute into a recognised centre for nuclear research and skills development. His work in securing funding and building key laboratory facilities, particularly at Menai Science Park, has been critical to positioning Bangor as a hub for nuclear research in Wales. His emphasis on collaboration—both within academia and with industry—has laid the groundwork for long-term growth in the region.

The article also highlights Bill’s belief in the importance of aligning civil and defence nuclear skills and infrastructure. His reflections on future opportunities in high-temperature materials and the next generation of reactors are particularly relevant as the UK seeks to expand its nuclear capability.

We are pleased to see Bill’s contributions acknowledged in Nuclear Future and look forward to continuing the work of developing materials and nuclear expertise at Bangor University.