University of Central Lancashire
UCLan Energy is led by Dr John Whitton and is the home of all energy related research and teaching at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). A world-class institution, UCLan became the first modern university in the UK to be listed in the QS World Rankings. A total of 18 subject areas are ranked in the UK top 20, with many of our courses accredited by professional and statutory bodies. Student benefit from energy courses based on the latest academic research, with input from businesses – a combination that makes our graduates highly sought after by employers.
UCLan Energy research reflects our multi-disciplinary approach between the natural, engineering and social sciences and our links to employers. UCLan Energy is a leader in UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Industrial Cooperative Awards in Science & Technology (CASE). These awards provide funding for PhD studentships where businesses take the lead in arranging projects with an academic partner of their choice for PhD research. In 2015, our MSc course in Renewables Energy Engineering was awarded several Chevening Scholorships - the UK government’s international awards scheme aimed at developing global leaders. Recipients are personally selected by British Embassies and High Commissions throughout the world.
We have researchers working on intelligent energy management systems and energy storage but also energy demand behaviour and the relationship between energy infrastructure and local communities. We boast a range of undergraduate and post graduate energy courses, from Energy and Renewable Energy Engineering, to Building Services Engineering. Student and employer feedback has led us to supplement our engineering based course with energy related courses from other disciplines such as Energy Law, Energy and Environmental Management and Energy and Sustainability.
Role in HoNESt
The role of UCLan Energy is to initially support the co-working of historians and social scientists (WP2). In addition, we will ensure that the historical data is analysed by a team of social scientists (WP4) in order to improve our understanding of the mechanisms underlying decision making and associated citizen engagement with nuclear power. Following the completion of this task, we will consider the role of ‘engagement principles’ (WP5) rather than specific processes, and their role in the success or failure of engagement. By applying backcasting techniques (WP5), HoNESt will bring novel content to the debate on sustainable nuclear engagement futures and will strategize and plan how these futures can be achieved.
