Professor Eugene Shwageraus has been recognised by the Nuclear Institute for his knowledge, leadership and impact in helping to move the UK nuclear industry forward. He has been selected as one of the Institute’s “Top 100 Most Influential Nuclear Professionals 2026”.
Nuclear is finally emerging as a serious player in supplying energy for a clean and sustainable economy of the future. We have seen a major explosion of innovation and entrepreneurship in nuclear technologies in recent years.
Professor Eugene Shwageraus
Professor Shwageraus was selected by the Institute for “advancing nuclear technology through research, education and reactor innovation, while inspiring and developing the next generation of nuclear engineers”.
“I am incredibly honoured to receive this recognition,” says Professor Shwageraus. “It is extremely rewarding to see that many years of hard work have made an impact.”
Since joining the Department of Engineering in 2013, the MPhil in Nuclear Energy, sponsored by the Cambridge Nuclear Energy Centre, has grown considerably under Professor Shwageraus’ leadership, as has the Cambridge Nuclear Energy research group, both of which have evolved into diverse areas of nuclear engineering.
The MPhil in Nuclear Energy combines many aspects of nuclear technology with nuclear policy and business, making the one-year course highly relevant to the challenges of 21st-century energy needs, whether in the UK or across the globe.
“We have been successful in attracting significant research funding and exceptionally good students whom I have had the privilege to mentor and watch them develop into independent researchers and industry leaders,” adds Professor Shwageraus.
“Our graduates are spread all over the world, taking up key positions in nuclear industry and academia, and making a difference every day – this is a true legacy.”
The future of nuclear power in the UK – where are we heading?
“Nuclear is finally emerging as a serious player in supplying energy for a clean and sustainable economy of the future,” explains Professor Shwageraus.
“Beyond traditional electric power generation, there are opportunities for using nuclear in microgrids, powering data centres and supporting industrial processes.
“Small modular reactors – advanced nuclear reactors that have smaller generating capacity than traditional nuclear power reactors but are easier to standardise and mass manufacture – are well positioned to address the issues of high cost and lengthy construction projects.
“The government review of nuclear regulation is also a very positive development which will aim to simplify and streamline the regulatory processes not only in the UK but also align the best regulatory practices internationally.”
Innovation and emerging technologies
An example of different core designs for a molten salt-cooled reactor concept being worked on by the Cambridge Nuclear Energy research group. This cross-sectional view of a reactor core shows several possible fuel configurations located in the core coolant channels.
“These are very exciting times for nuclear energy,” says Professor Shwageraus. “We have seen a major explosion of innovation and entrepreneurship in nuclear technologies in recent years.”
“My research group is focusing on a particularly promising concept of molten salt-cooled reactors which use liquid salt mixtures instead of water to remove heat from a nuclear core,” he explains.
“The technology can build on many of the features of the UK Advanced Gas-cooled Reactors (AGRs). Such reactors can take advantage of low operating pressure, which significantly simplifies their safety case, while being capable of delivering heat at high temperature to achieve high efficiency of power conversion and supply heat to hard-to-decarbonise industries.
“Looking at the industry from a different angle, I would argue that the issues with nuclear are not necessarily technological, but lie at the intersection of engineering with social, political, business and financial disciplines. Generally, society perceives nuclear energy as problematic. Boosting understanding and clearer interpretation of latest radiation protection science is needed to offset major inefficiencies in allocation of scarce societal resources for our radiological protection. We are trying to identify and address such inefficiencies in our research. This is pioneering work which promises to have significant impact on the future of nuclear technology. I am looking forward to continuing this line of research.”
Inspiring the next generation of nuclear engineers
“If students feel that their adviser is motivated, engaged and fearless, this drives their motivation and positivity,” says Professor Shwageraus. “And, of course, being attentive to the needs of students and providing the necessary support tailored to their needs as soon as the needs emerge is also important.”
“Engaging in practical research on cutting-edge topics with visible impact always resonates well with students,” he adds. “Close connection with industry and understanding of industry needs is also essential to keep both teaching and research relevant. This is why supporting students’ career growth both during their time at Cambridge and beyond is important and meaningful to me and to them.”
