Energy

Advanced Nuclear Reactor Design Conference 2026 and Pre-conference training course - Small Modular Reactors

Ahead of the Advanced Nuclear Reactor Design 2026 conference, join our pre-conference training course on 6 October on the topic of Small Modular Reactors to explore the opportunities, challenges and timescales facing SMR development and commercialisation in the UK and globally.

3 days

Course	Location & Date
Advanced Nuclear Reactor Design Conference 2026 and Pre-conference training course - Small Modular Reactors	N/A

Members:
£1,105.00 Plus vat

Non Members:
£1,338.75 Plus vat

Summary

Book your place to save 15% on attending the conference and course together and expand your learning and networking.

Advanced Nuclear Reactor Design 2026 - 7-8 October 2026

Advanced Nuclear Reactor Design returns this October to focus on the engineering, regulatory and delivery challenges of next-generation nuclear technologies.

Whether you are involved with or are looking to enter the future of nuclear energy, this is THE conference to stay up to date and to connect with the engineering community driving the innovation, manufacture and deployment of next-generation reactor technologies.

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Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): Concepts, Technology, Challenges and Opportunities - 6 October 2026

This is a valuable opportunity to step back and examine the SMR opportunity through the lens of:

• SMR technologies and design approaches
• Cost drivers and the economics of nuclear
• Manufacturing and supply-chain challenges
• Commercialisation and deployment
• Financing and investment
• Emerging applications including data centres and industrial heat
• The realities of bringing new reactor projects from concept to implementation

For engineers, investors, policymakers, suppliers and business leaders looking to understand where the SMR sector is actually going, this is a valuable primer before two days of deeper discussion at Advanced Nuclear Reactor Design 2026.

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Who should attend?

All engineers involved in the development, manufacture and operation of the nuclear reactors across the UK should join and benefit from the learning, knowledge sharing and networking at this growing conference, particularly those working in the areas of:

Reactor design, manufacturing and development
Site operation, inspections and maintenance
Nuclear safety, compliance, and risk
Fuel procurement, storage, and transportation
Nuclear project management and procurement
Commissioning and funding
New and novel materials development

Companies also involved in the following areas are strongly recommended to send representatives:

Energy performance certification
Nuclear safety and regulation
Utilities and energy networks
Energy investment
Nuclear insurance

How will I benefit?

Understand the engineering barriers delaying deployment and what they mean for project viability
Be appraised of UK and international nuclear strategy, funding priorities and investment signals.
Discover the evolving role of SMRs and AMRs in the nuclear energy sector.
Gain insights into the cutting-edge technologies and materials in nuclear design from leading research institutions and industry experts.
Benchmark your organisation’s readiness against competitors.
Learn how regulators are assessing and challenging novel reactor designs and what this means for licensing risk.
Get increased knowledge of nuclear power’s role in the future of the UK's energy mix.
Identify and address challenges in design, production, and funding pathways.
Meet and make new connections with design leaders in this field.
Identify the direction of future innovations in materials, fuel systems, and design protocols.

Contributes 21 CPD hours

Meet our trainers

These trainers regularly teach Advanced Nuclear Reactor Design Conference 2026 and Pre-conference training course - Small Modular Reactors.

John Warden CEng CPhys FNucI FInstP

John Warden is Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of NX Atomics, a US advanced nuclear company developing the VELA reactor, a next-generation small modular reactor (SMR) designed to deliver low-cost electricity and high-temperature process heat. A physicist, nuclear engineer, and strategic and financial consultant, John brings extensive experience in nuclear sector program development, project structuring, and investor engagement. His current work focuses on advancing innovative nuclear technologies, modernising reactor manufacturing and supporting the commercial development of advanced energy solutions.
Adrian Worker BSc (Hons), CEng, MNucI, MAPM

With over 40 years of senior leadership and board-level experience, Adrian has extensive international expertise across nuclear power and other sectors, including strategy, business development, large-scale programmes, commercial management and business improvement. He has held senior positions at Amentum, Jacobs, CH2M HILL, AMEC, Cobham, Raytheon and BAE Systems, advising clients and leading multidisciplinary teams across multiple locations. Since 2009, Adrian has supported multi-billion-pound GW, SMR and AMR nuclear power programmes across international markets, working with governments, technology vendors and power plant developers. His expertise includes nuclear technologies, delivery models, commercial and financial frameworks, and investment barriers. He has presented at international conferences, chaired the Constructing Excellence Nuclear Focus Group for 10 years and served on the UK Nuclear Industry Council for two years.

In-house and bespoke training

Tell us your team's CPD needs and we'll come to you with a specialised training programme, customised for your engineering sector.
Contact our advisors if you need help finding the most appropriate training for your team.