The Energy Technologies Institute has announced the first wave of winners for the David Clarke Fellowship scholarship.
Anna Kareer from the University of Oxford and Christopher Williams from the University of Manchester have received funding through the fellowship to advance research into novel low-carbon energy solutions.
Both recipients were successful in their applications to advance research in the field of nuclear energy. Kareer has been awarded £448,000 for her research project ‘Bridging the gap between small scale mechanical testing and bulk material property measurements of advanced, structural nuclear materials’.
Williams has been awarded £302,000 for his research project ‘Computational design of graphene-based materials for challenging nuclear decommissioning applications.’
The scholarship was launched last year in partnership with the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council in honour of their late CEO and Royal Academy of Engineering fellow David Clarke.
Kareer said: “I am delighted to receive this award and I am very much looking forward to starting my research. The low carbon transition is a difficult challenge, but I am hopeful that my work can contribute in a positive way.”
Williams said: “Nuclear already plays a key part in the UK energy system. To ensure it plays a continued role in a decarbonised energy system it has to prove itself cost competitive with other low carbon generating options. My work hopes to show how it can and I am grateful for the support of this David Clarke Fellowship award to allow me to do so.”
Alison Clarke, widow of David Clarke, and part of the fellowship advisory board, said: “David was a strong advocate for the role of research in informing policy and the fellowship programme will continue to honour his passion and dedication to advancing low carbon technology. It is fantastic to see David’s legacy in action, supporting the development of our future energy leaders.”
Before joining the ETI as chief executive in 2007 to establish the organisation, Clarke (pictured) spent 20 years at Rolls-Royce holding several senior positions including Head of the Corporate Strategic Research Centre and the Head of Technology Strategy and Research.
Rolls-Royce chief technology officer Paul Stein and ETI board member said: “We extend our congratulations to Dr Anna Kareer and Dr Christopher Williams on becoming the first recipients of funding from the David Clarke Fellowships programme.
“Nuclear has a significant role to play in the decarbonisation of the wider energy system especially through its ability to provide baseload generation, but its traditional business model will have to adapt to prove itself economically against other low carbon options.”
“Materials science, as presented in the two awarded projects is an important part of nuclear energy research and can help to enhance the safety and cost effectiveness of nuclear power, keeping it involved in the energy mix for a future low carbon UK energy system.”
EPSRC Professor Lynn Gladden said:”On behalf of EPSRC I want to congratulate Anna and Christopher on their Fellowships. Their research will help the UK move towards a low-carbon future and faithfully honour the memory of David Clarke.”