Press Releases

ANS https://www.ans.org/ William Penney Fellowships are named after Sir William Penney, Director of the former Atomic Weapons Research Establishment (AWRE). William Penney Fellows are key academics, typically leading research at centres of technical excellence or in similar roles. /about-us/our-partners/?q=william+penney+fellows OxCHEDS researchers study the behaviour of matter at the kinds of extraordinary temperatures and pressures usually […]

AWE has held its most popular Primary Science Challenge to date, with over 400 students from eight primary schools in West Berkshire joining in the eco-themed learning and competition. The annual event inspires young learners into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and this year’s Challenge aligned to the World Environment Day’s theme of ‘Solutions […]

AWE’s Steve Fisher has received an Award of Excellence from the United States National Nuclear Security Administration, Office of Defence Programmes (DP) for his contribution to the U.S./UK Mutual Defence Agreement. Currently a Senior Manager, International Liaison, Steve will be retiring later this year, after 26 years of service to the UK at AWE. His […]

AWE representatives had a treat when recently visiting academic partner, Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. The visit provided a sneak preview of the National Robotarium, a multi-million-pound facility and the UK’s leading centre for robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), along with a chance to discuss future opportunities. The National Robotarium is due to open in the […]

It’s a double achievement for one AWE apprentice, as not only was Liam Jones our first degree apprentice, but he has also graduated with first class honours. Liam became AWE’s first degree apprentice in 2018, studying for a BSc in Nuclear Engineering. Over the next four years, in addition to studying at AWE’s apprentice academy […]

AWE is incredibly proud to announce that it has achieved a prestigious silver award and been ranked within the top 200 companies for the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index (WEI) 2022.The Stonewall WEI is a benchmarking tool that assesses a company’s achievements and progress on LGBTQ+ equality. AWE is com​mitted to equality at work and to […]

We are delighted to announce that Paula Rosen has been awarded Fellow status by the UK Institute of Physics (IOP). This is their highest category of membership and is awarded following a rigorous application process involving an external sponsor and an independent review panel. Paula is a Team Leader in Material Physics where she manages […]

AWE is delighted to announce the new AWE PLC Board which will be in place from 1 July 2021 when AWE becomes an arms’ length body owned by the Ministry of Defence. The Board will be comprised of: Sir John Manzoni as Chair, Alison Atkinson as AWE Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Nicole Kett […]

A ground-breaking radiation detection technology, developed to support the UK’s nuclear deterrent, is being made available to nuclear, national security, policing and counter-terrorism organisations. The GMS595 is a sophisticated gamma dose-rate monitor developed by AWE alongside British company JCS Nuclear Solutions. It is the most sensitive gamma radiation monitor available and capable of making fast […]

Following the announcement that the AWE plc will become an Arms-Length Body of the MOD, the Department has decided to appoint Sir John Manzoni as Chair Designate. The existing AWE Management Limited (AWE ML) Board will hand over to John and the new Board of the Arms-Length Body following termination on 30th June 2021; the […]

Statement from AWE Management Limited AWE Management Limited has received notification from the Ministry of Defence of the termination of its Management and Operations contract from 30 June 2021. AWE Management Limited has supported the AWE mission, central to the UK’s defence, for two decades and is wholly committed to the smooth transition of its […]

AWE welcomes the Chief Nuclear Inspector’s Annual Report 2018/19 published today (11 Oct) by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR).   The AWE sites at Aldermaston and Burghfield remain in enhanced regulatory attention for the 2018/19 period. This has been in part due to continued operations in ageing facilities while replacements with modern safety standards […]

AWE is working in partnership with Queen Mary’s College and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to deliver a series of fun science workshops on the theme Journey to Space for primary children across Basingstoke and North Hampshire. AWE’s Community Engagement Manager, Philippa Kent, who runs the company’s award-winning schools programme, said: ‘British Science week is […]

The theme for this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) on Friday (8 March) is #BalanceforBetter. AWE graduate Ellie is just one of the diverse team involved in an event to explore some of the key issues around gender balance and why it matters. “Some people think of this as a ‘women’s thing’ but of course, […]

Newbury MP Richard Benyon chatted to AWE graduates and apprentices on 7th November during a visit to AWE and a tour of the Orion laser facility. Mr Benyon also heard about AWE’s unique work in support of the UK’s nuclear deterrent as well as the company’s community work in local schools to promote STEM as […]

Little Heath School designed and delivered a splendid ‘submarine’ to win this year’s AWE Schools Engineering Challenge, narrowly beating Kennet School and Bishop Challoner School. The teams had to ensure their design was fit to float, as the test phase involved a large test tank – it was literally sink or swim for the students’ […]

AWE fined following a guilty plea to offences brought by the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) under Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act (1974).

AWE is proud to be part of the Thames Valley’s newly-launched Young Apprentice Ambassador Network (YAAN), with two of its apprentices already signed up. The Thames Valley YAAN is part of a national initiative to develop a community of inspiring, driven apprentices and former apprentices. It will work closely with four other areas in the […]