Panel: Is the future nuclear?
This event is part of the Royal Society's Summer Science Exhibition 2026.
In the face of a climate crisis and a growing demand for low-carbon energy alternatives, what role will nuclear power play in meeting increasing global demands? How has public perception changed forty years on from Chernobyl, the worst nuclear accident in history? And will nuclear fusion ever be a practical option?
Our panel will discuss the above and more as they examine the past, present and future of nuclear energy.
Speakers include:
- – Senior Research Associate at the School of Engineering, Lancaster University, whose research is aimed at making nuclear fuel production responsive and more sustainable
- – Technology writer for New Scientist, who previously wrote for The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph, and who recently reported from Chernobyl’s most crucial scientific sites for the report
- – Former nuclear engineer and now DPhil student on the Fusion Centre for Doctoral Training at the University of Oxford investigating materials that will make future fusion reactors possible
- – Award-winning chartered mechanical engineer and science broadcaster who has presented on stations including the BBC, Al Jazeera, PBS and Sky Atlantic and is author of numerous science, engineering and mathematics books
Further speakers to be announced.
Attending the event
This event will be held in Theatre 1 at the Royal Society on Sunday 5 July 2026, 2.20pm – 3pm.
- Free to attend as part of Summer Science Exhibition on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to seat availability. We recommend that visitors arrive 10-15 minutes before the session
- Eventbrite tickets for Summer Science Exhibition are recommended, with only a limited number of walk-up tickets released on the day
- Suitable for students aged 14+
- This talk will take place in person
- A recording of this talk will be available later on the
- Live subtitles will be available
- Travel and accessibility information and details on planning your visit - contact us directly to arrange any specific accessibility requirements
- Food and drink will be available for purchase at our onsite café
For all enquiries, please email us.