Research at Nuclear Waste Services
We commission scientific research and development, worth several million pounds a year, to support waste management.
Nuclear Waste Services has responsibility for implementing the government’s policy for delivering a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) for the UK’s higher activity radioactive wastes.
Details of the expected nature and timing of planned generic research and development activities is outlined in our Science and Technology Plan. By ‘generic’, we mean those activities that can be undertaken without specific knowledge of the eventual host site for the geological disposal facility.
As a subsidiary of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Nuclear Waste Services also participates in NDA’s Research and Development Programme.
Find out more about Research at NDA
Research Support Office
NWS has worked with both the University of Manchester and The University of Bristol since 2020 to develop an active research programme that has benefitted all those involved in managing radioactive waste. Following a review, NWS plans to implement a new academic strategy and in early 2026 took the decision to close the RSO programme.
NWS’ research activity underpins our evidence-based approach, and we will continue to commission a comprehensive programme of work that supports scientific innovation and delivery.
Technical Publications related to Geological Disposal
An archive of previously published technical publications can be found by searching the National Archive.
These 2 documents provide a list of publications related to Geological Disposal. Links are provided where downloadable versions are available in the National Web Archive:
GDF Bibliography Summary 1983 to 2007
GDF Bibliography Summary 2007 to 2021
Technical publications are now published within the research section of GOV.UK to give people the opportunity to understand progress on various scientific and technical issues related to managing nuclear waste and geological disposal.
For further information, please see Research and statistics - GOV.UK or contact info@nuclearwasteservices.uk
Issues Register
Activity to resolve issues previously raised through RWM’s Issues Register are included in the Science and Technology Plan. Engagement with stakeholders on various issues continues through various channels. An archive of the Issues Register webpages can be found in via The National Web Archives.
Since launching the Issues Management process, other channels and engagement opportunities have been put in place for stakeholders to raise queries and understand progress on various scientific and technical issues related to geological disposal.
For further information, please explore Nuclear Waste Services’ website or contact info@nuclearwasteservices.uk