Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what is the full scope of the joint DESNZ – MOD PhD programme as part of the nuclear skills plan.

The Government has committed £65.6 million in a bespoke Nuclear Doctoral Focal Award to develop the specialist skills needed for current and future civil and defence needs. With co-funding from industry and delivered by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the programme will establish up to 7 doctoral training programmes.

Over four cohorts starting this academic year, the programme will equip doctoral students with advanced nuclear skills, supporting the UK’s economic growth, energy and national security, and net zero objectives.