The University of Central Lancashire has formed a joined venture with the National Nuclear Laboratory which will see the two organisations explore the public value of nuclear sector projects.
Together, they will develop a programme that examines the value and impact of nuclear projects, and both enterprises will work with stakeholders, customers, local government and sections of the public.
Both organisations have been working together on the portfolio of policy science, with an emphasis on public value, that will enable them to better conduct research and advance the education of the public.
Along with the Samuel Lindow Foundation, UCLan has developed a portfolio of policy science work at Science and Technology Park, Cumbria. over the last 25 years.
Dr Lynne Livesey, deputy vice chancellor (academic) at UCLan, said: “Together we’ll develop innovative work in public value management for local, regional and international benefit at Westlakes.
“We aim to be part of wider portfolio of case studies including the NDA and ESA working with collaborators to achieve wider public benefit.”
Dr Paul Howarth, CEO of the National Nuclear Laboratory, said: “The value to the public of science and technology goes way beyond the basic monetary measures of cost and return on investment and impacts so many other areas in the public sphere.
“It’s right that science and technology and particularly nuclear, and its contribution to public value is considered in this way."
He added: “I’m delighted that we’re working more closely with colleagues at UCLan and the Samuel Lindow Foundation to better understand the value that nuclear brings to the public and also to extend this work to achieve a greater appreciation of energy economics as we move forward with nuclear power as a key part of the wider energy mix.”