In March, Rutherford Appleton Laboratories (RAL) held “Science in Your Future”, a careers event designed to give female GCSE students the opportunity to find out more about different careers available to them if they choose to progress with work or study in the field of science.
The Nuclear Institute Central England Branch (CEB) regularly supports outreach events at RAL and YGN Vice-Chair and previous CEB YGN representative, Saralyn Thomas, represented the branch during a virtual panel of young professionals working in science, including representatives from UKAEA, Oxford Space Systems and STFC.
During the panel, Saralyn gave a presentation of her career to date, explaining her role as a safety consultant at Abbott Risk Consulting Ltd and an overview of her education. Saralyn also explained how she first became interested in joining the industry after learning about geological disposal which combined her love of physics and geology from school.
As well as giving an overview of the NI, CEB and its activities, Saralyn spoke about the YGN and its year of climate action in the run up to the UN Climate Change Conference COP26, taking place in Glasgow this November. COP26 is such an important event for climate action and young people – an unsuccessful COP is a detriment to the young generation as it is us and the next generation who will inherit our planet and suffer from the consequences. This year, the YGN wants to make sure our voices are heard and nuclear is at the table!
Saralyn gave an overview of the YGN’s advocacy activities for the year, including the #NetZeroNeedsNuclear campaign and a national school speaking competition for 16-18 year olds, and shared some insightful facts about nuclear and its key role in a clean energy transition. Finally Saralyn stressed that her main driver for joining the industry was her belief in nuclear’s role in combatting climate change and that the industry is really worth considering as a career path if you are passionate about climate action too!
If you’d like more information about the above, please visit NetZeroNeedsNuclear.com or email ygncop26@nuclearinst.com. Agree that net zero needs nuclear? Then show your support by signing the YGN’s call to action by visiting the website or following this QR code.
Figure 1: Saralyn explaining the role of the NI and YGN in encouraging the next generation