funded by Fusion Futures and the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). These projects involve collaboration with teams across Fusion Technology.
I’ve also supported commercial and grant-funded projects, helping to manage these alongside our research projects. Although some of the specifics can’t be discussed publicly yet, we are pushing forward on several exciting fronts within the Fusion Technology division.
Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives you are particularly excited about?
Yes, there are three major projects that I’m excited about in the FTF at the moment. Firstly, there’s the ELSA project, which provides a test facility for new joining technologies for fusion machines. This is critical as it helps create joints for high-temperature superconducting cables that are not only remotely maintainable but also minimise resistance in superconductors, which is vital for future fusion machines.
Secondly, the Small Lab liquid metal loop project is an interesting venture which is funded by an EPSRC. This is a facility designed for the investigation of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flows. This facility enables the testing and development of diagnostic instrumentation.
Lastly, the Lead-Lithium Loop project is a really exciting project which is part of the Fusion Futures programme. It is currently in the preliminary design phase, and the team is working with framework suppliers on this. This project will support further research in liquid metal cooling of Sample Under Test (SUTs).
How does the Fusion Technology Facility contribute to advancing fusion technology?
A lot of what we do at the Fusion Technology Facility revolves around testing, preparing, and validating technologies. Whether it’s developing techniques, testing materials, or validating simulations, all of it contributes to improving the fusion technology landscape. For example, projects like ELSA help develop the tools and techniques that will be key to future fusion power plants.
What do you enjoy most about working at FTF, Rotherham?
One of the best things about working at FTF is the close-knit environment. With around 50 to 60 people regularly on-site, you get to know everyone pretty quickly, and it’s easy to collaborate when help is just a short walk away. That close-knit culture really helps foster collaboration.
But it’s not just the work atmosphere that makes FTF special—it’s the community outside of work too. We’re close to the Peak District, so weekend hikes are a regular activity. Our last group walk had about 20 people join! There’s always someone organising something social at our site – whether it’s getting people together to go climbing after work, a regular running group or going for a game of badminton.
What is one memorable moment you have had working at UKAEA?
One of the highlights has been getting involved in our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives. I have set up regular learning lunches where speakers present on topics close to them, within different EDI themes like gender, disability, or race. We have built an open and supportive environment at FTF where people feel comfortable sharing their experiences and these learning lunches have become a special part of my time here. These sessions are well-attended and spark meaningful conversations, which I think is a real highlight of the culture here at FTF. It has been rewarding to work towards creating a psychologically safe space where people feel comfortable learning from each other.
Can you introduce yourself and your role within UKAEA?
I am Danni Chadwick, an Assistant Project Manager within the Fusion Technology Division, based in Rotherham at the Fusion Technology Facility (FTF). I joined UKAEA about a year and a half ago, transitioning from a career in teaching, and now I support several fusion-related projects, both commercial and grant-funded.
What led you to transition from teaching to project management?
After seven years of teaching in secondary and primary schools, I wanted a career change and had always been interested in project management. I started at UKAEA as a Project Coordinator and gradually moved into my current role as Assistant Project Manager. It’s been an exciting journey, and I’m enjoying every bit of it!
Can you share some of the projects you are currently working on?
I’ve been involved in supporting a range of projects, including some
In this edition of the UKAEA newsletter, we interviewed Danni Chadwick, Assistant Project Manager in the Fusion Technology Division, based at the Fusion Technology Facility (FTF) in Rotherham. Danni shared her journey from teaching to project management, her involvement in various innovative projects, and the vibrant, collaborative culture at FTF.
Can you introduce yourself and your role within UKAEA?
I am Danni Chadwick, an Assistant Project Manager within the Fusion Technology Division, based in Rotherham at the Fusion Technology Facility (FTF). I joined UKAEA about a year and a half ago, transitioning from a career in teaching, and now I support several fusion-related projects, both commercial and grant-funded.
What led you to transition from teaching to project management?
After seven years of teaching in secondary and primary schools, I wanted a career change and had always been interested in project management. I started at UKAEA as a Project Coordinator and gradually moved into my current role as Assistant Project Manager. It’s been an exciting journey, and I’m enjoying every bit of it!
Can you share some of the projects you are currently working on?
I’ve been involved in supporting a range of projects, including some funded by Fusion Futures and the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). These projects involve collaboration with teams across Fusion Technology.
I’ve also supported commercial and grant-funded projects, helping to manage these alongside our research projects. Although some of the specifics can’t be discussed publicly yet, we are pushing forward on several exciting fronts within the Fusion Technology division
Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives you are particularly excited about?
Yes, there are three major projects that I’m excited about in the FTF at the moment. Firstly, there’s the ELSA project, which provides a test facility for new joining technologies for fusion machines. This is critical as it helps create joints for high-temperature superconducting cables that are not only remotely maintainable but also minimise resistance in superconductors, which is vital for future fusion machines.
Secondly, the Small Lab liquid metal loop project is an interesting venture which is funded by an EPSRC. This is a facility designed for the investigation of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flows. This facility enables the testing and development of diagnostic instrumentation.
Lastly, the Lead-Lithium Loop project is a really exciting project which is part of the Fusion Futures programme. It is currently in the preliminary design phase, and the team is working with framework suppliers on this. This project will support further research in liquid metal cooling of Sample Under Test (SUTs).
How does the Fusion Technology Facility contribute to advancing fusion technology?
A lot of what we do at the Fusion Technology Facility revolves around testing, preparing, and validating technologies. Whether it’s developing techniques, testing materials, or validating simulations, all of it contributes to improving the fusion technology landscape. For example, projects like ELSA help develop the tools and techniques that will be key to future fusion power plants.
What do you enjoy most about working at FTF, Rotherham?
One of the best things about working at FTF is the close-knit environment. With around 50 to 60 people regularly on-site, you get to know everyone pretty quickly, and it’s easy to collaborate when help is just a short walk away. That close-knit culture really helps foster collaboration.
But it’s not just the work atmosphere that makes FTF special—it’s the community outside of work too. We’re close to the Peak District, so weekend hikes are a regular activity. Our last group walk had about 20 people join! There’s always someone organising something social at our site – whether it’s getting people together to go climbing after work, a regular running group or going for a game of badminton.
What is one memorable moment you have had working at UKAEA?
One of the highlights has been getting involved in our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives. I have set up regular learning lunches where speakers present on topics close to them, within different EDI themes like gender, disability, or race. We have built an open and supportive environment at FTF where people feel comfortable sharing their experiences and these learning lunches have become a special part of my time here. These sessions are well-attended and spark meaningful conversations, which I think is a real highlight of the culture here at FTF. It has been rewarding to work towards creating a psychologically safe space where people feel comfortable learning from each other.
In this edition of the UKAEA newsletter, we interviewed Danni Chadwick, Assistant Project Manager in the Fusion Technology Division, based at the Fusion Technology Facility (FTF) in Rotherham. Danni shared her journey from teaching to project management, her involvement in various innovative projects, and the vibrant, collaborative culture at FTF.