Advanced Nuclear Research Centre appoints new chair

The University of Strathclyde’s Advanced Nuclear Research Centre (ANRC) has appointed a “world leader” in the power generation industry as its next chair.

Duncan Hawthorne, current chief executive of Horizon Nuclear Power, has held a wide range of leadership positions in the UK, as well as in the United States and Canada, including CEO of Bruce Power, one of the world’s largest nuclear complexes.

Hawthorne, who is replacing incumbent John Baxter, has previously served as chair of the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) and until recently was president of WANO’s governing board.

Both Hawthorne and Baxter are alumni of the University of Strathclyde and Baxter will continue as a visiting professor of nuclear engineering at the university.

The university has been supporting both the UK and international nuclear industry for more than 60 years. It formalises its interactions with the sector through the ANRC supporting the safe and efficient operation of nuclear facilities through process, risk and technical innovations.

Since its formation three years ago the ANRC has expertise in plant lifetime extension, asset management, decommissioning and waste disposal, non-destructive testing and structural integrity.

Professor Sir Jim McDonald, principal and vice chancellor at Strathclyde, said: “We are very grateful to our outgoing chair John Baxter for leading the international growth of ANRC. His guidance, support and safety culture have been hugely helpful in growing the centre. He leaves the ANRC in a strong position to build on under the guidance of our new chair Duncan Hawthorne.

“Duncan brings a wealth of experience which will enable us to further grow ANRC, its expertise and its offering to help the nuclear industry through research, technical support and educational programmes.”