Leading engineers from UKAEA's robotics division will embark on a three-year mentoring programme to inspire university students from underrepresented backgrounds to help make fusion energy part of the world's future energy supply.
UKAEA's partnership with EqualEngineers will connect 25 students per year with engineers from RACE (Remote Applications in Challenging Environments) to provide invaluable guidance and advice for navigating a successful career.
Fusion energy has enormous potential to deliver safe, sustainable, low carbon energy for generations to come, but achieving this is a major technical challenge that involves working at the forefront of science, engineering, and technology.
Professor Rob Buckingham, UKAEA's Executive Director of Robotics, Repurposing and Decommissioning, said:
"Engineering and technology will need to become more diverse and inclusive to help us solve the challenges in the delivery of sustainable fusion energy.
"UKAEA is delighted to support the Pathways Programme and welcome students from underrepresented groups to join our team of leading engineers in cutting-edge research areas including mechanical engineering, electronics, and cybernetics. They will have the opportunity to learn about exciting projects in robotics and AI research and development."
Dr Mark McBride-Wright MBE, the Founder of EqualEngineers added: "We are thrilled to have UKAEA join us in Cohort 4 of the programme, as their expertise and industry knowledge will undoubtedly contribute to the development and growth of aspiring engineers."
Applications now open to join the 'Pathways Programme' which is free of charge and will start from November 2023. Applications should be submitted by 17.00, 13 October 2023. Please visit equalengineers.com/pathways-programme.
