Zara Hodgson

Zara Hodgson FREng is a British engineer who is a professor of nuclear engineering and director of the Dalton Nuclear Institute at the University of Manchester. She is an expert in nuclear engineering and policy, and has advised the Government of the United Kingdom on the production of nuclear fuels and the transition to net-zero emissions.

Early life and education

Hodgson studied chemical engineering at the University of Bath.

Research and career

Hodgson worked at the United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory. During her time at the National Nuclear Laboratory, her team produced an isotope of lead (lead-212) for cancer treatment.[1] She spent time at the Nuclear Innovation & Research Office, a consultancy that provides technical advice to government on de-risking nuclear investments, and on secondment to Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. From 2020 to 2024, Hodgson led nuclear fuel policy for Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.[2][3] Hodgson focussed on Advanced Modular Reactors, which use new cooling systems and fuels. She established a nuclear skills and innovation programme, and proposed building a nuclear skills and innovation campus.[4]

Hodgson was appointed Director of the Dalton Nuclear Institute in 2024, awarded over £4 million from UK Research and Innovation to work on energy resilience.[5][6] She has encouraged the Government of the United Kingdom to invest in nuclear research, arguing that it should play a critical role in the UK's future energy mix.[7][8] She said that nuclear can complement renewable energy sources.[9] She advocated for Urenco Group to build a uranium enrichment facility in Cheshire.[10][11]

Hodgson was elected Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2025.[12][13][14]

References

  1. ↑ "Lancashire scientists make lifesaving cancer medicine breakthrough". Lancashire Telegraph. 2022-07-25. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 2025-09-26.
  2. ↑ "Professor Zara Hodgson". Henry Royce Institute. Retrieved 2025-09-26.
  3. ↑ Powney, Dan (2025-09-10). "Bridging the gap: Science, regulation and diplomacy in nuclear policy". Nuclear Industry Association. Retrieved 2025-09-26.
  4. ↑ "Campus for Advanced Nuclear Skills and Innovation - Find a Tender". www.find-tender.service.gov.uk. Retrieved 2025-09-26.
  5. ↑ "The Faculty of Science and Engineering's 2024 news highlights". The Faculty of Science and Engineering’s 2024 news highlights. Retrieved 2025-09-26.
  6. ↑ Richards, Luke (2025-03-04). "Universities of Manchester and Sheffield to lead on £5m hub to support national nuclear waste strategy". Henry Royce Institute. Retrieved 2025-09-26.
  7. ↑ "New Energy World magazine". Energy Institute. Retrieved 2025-09-26.
  8. ↑ "Nuclear technology can open door to low-carbon energy production – academic". Lancaster Guardian. 2025-01-30. Retrieved 2025-09-26.
  9. ↑ "Renewables and nuclear must work together to reach net zero, new report argues". Renewables and nuclear must work together to reach net zero, new report argues. Retrieved 2025-09-26.
  10. ↑ Houghton, Alistair (2024-05-08). "Government awards £196m to Cheshire nuclear fuel site". Business Live. Retrieved 2025-09-26.
  11. ↑ "UK first in Europe to invest in next generation of nuclear fuel". GOV.UK. Retrieved 2025-09-26.
  12. ↑ "Manchester academics elected as Royal Academy of Engineering Fellows". Manchester academics elected as Royal Academy of Engineering Fellows. Retrieved 2025-09-26.
  13. ↑ James, Iolo (2025-09-25). "Nuclear Leaders Recognised in Royal Academy of Engineering Honours". Nuclear Industry Association. Retrieved 2025-09-26.
  14. ↑ "RAEng Fellow 2025: Professor Zara Hodgson FREng". raeng.org.uk. Retrieved 2025-09-26.
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