Mark Gilbert works his way from a graduate to Head of Programmes
Mark joined UKAEA as a graduate recruit in 2003. Despite knowing nothing about fusion when he first joined, he has worked his way up to become the Head of Programme in Neutron-Materials Interactions. Mark has had a large influence on our programmes throughout his career.
Key achievements
Mark’s biggest achievement in his career with us is the integration of materials modelling and nuclear physics. Having worked in both materials modelling (starting with a DPhil funded by UKAEA) and computational nuclear physics, he has brought the two areas closer together, resulting in key benefits to UKAEA’s research programme.
“There are a wide range of activities and disciplines, varied research, and opportunities for travel and international collaboration.”
Finding opportunities to combine skill sets within the organisation, Mark has led the charge for improved understanding of how the chemical changes induced by neutrons from fusion reactions impact on material properties. This is an important challenge for developing commercial fusion energy.
Role
Head of Programme in Neutron-Materials Interactions
Department
Materials Business Unit
Joined UKAEA
2003
Qualifications
DPhil, MSci, CPhys
Mark’s career so far
Started out as a graduate
Mark started his career straight out of university as a member of one of our graduate programmes. Since joining in 2003, he has been dedicated, hard-working and had a huge impact!
“I was excited by the opportunity for scientific research into an important problem for the world. And I was attracted by the graduate programme.”
Mark completed his PhD at Oxford University from 2006-2010. His project involved performing materials modelling of materials under irradiation.
10 week summer placement in the USA
In 2006, Mark embarked on a 10-week summer placement at Lawrence Livermore Lab in the US. This began an ongoing collaboration with our US colleagues including mutual visits and knowledge sharing.
First paper in the Nuclear Fusion journal!
In 2011, Mark had his first ever paper published in the prestigious Nuclear Fusion journal.
Presentation at the IAEA Fusion Energy Conference
In 2012, Mark presented a presentation on integrated material models for helium embrittlement at the prestigious international IAEA Fusion Energy Conference in San Diego.
Shaping research across Europe
From 2015 onwards, Mark focused on waste assessments for the EUROfusion consortium – working with colleagues across Europe on a co-ordinated approach to research in this area.
Head of Programme!
As a result of his dedication and hardwork, in 2020 Mark was promoted to Head of Programme in neutron-material interactions. Here, he leads a team concerned with material modelling, computational nuclear physics and nuclear data experiments.
I was excited by the opportunity for scientific research into an important problem for the world.
Mark Gilbert
Head of Programme
Career development and support
PhD funding
UKAEA has supported Mark from the very beginning of his career. As an organisation, we paid for Mark to complete his PhD as we recognised the value he could bring to the UKAEA team. When asked about what he loved about working for UKAEA, he said “There are lots of things to learn and lots of people to meet.”
Technical training workshops
Mark has taken part in technical training workshops on neutron transport and atomistic modelling. Members of the UKAEA team recommended this opportunity to Mark and supported his application to and completion of the course.
Practical training in line management and more
Mark has also been supported in his line management training to further his career. He’s undertaken professional development training, including report writing and presentation skills.
According to Fay, her career has been “a series of wonderful accidents and fate”. She joined UKAEA in 2016, now she makes a real impact by helping to secure the projects that our teams really want to work on.
