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Nuclear energy. It can be a controversial topic for some; for others, it has fantastic potential as a cleaner, greener energy source.

We therefore wanted to find out more about this fascinating field and, importantly, what the future holds for it.

Answering our questions are Dr Aneeqa Khan, a Harwell Research Fellow in Nuclear Fusion in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, and Dr Laura Leay, a Dalton Fellow in Nuclear Engineering Innovation.

We discuss nuclear fusion and fission – and the important differences between the two – as well as the potential for nuclear energy, both now and in the future, plus the unique challenges this research area faces.

Could nuclear be the answer to our future energy needs? Find out in this powerful episode.

Find out more on some of the topics we discuss at the links below:

• Encouraging gender inclusivity in STEM – Dr Aneeqa Khan
• How UoM is addressing the long-term questions of nuclear waste
• Sir John Cockcroft: Nobel Prize winner… and averter of nuclear disaster?
• What does the future hold for Sellafield?
• Nuclear, catalysis and biomedical materials – introducing our new CDTs
• A nuclear legacy: visiting Chernobyl 32 years on – Dr Laura Leay

*This episode of The Buzz was recorded in lockdown and sound quality may be affected.