On the 7th Oct the Nuclear Institute hosted the National Finals of the Young Generation Network Speaker competition. Patrick Burr a PhD student in our group was a finalist in this event having previously won the central England branch heat.

Six candidates, each a winner of their regional heats, gathered in Birchwood (Warrington) from all over the country to give their presentations in front of a mixed audience comprising of nuclear experts and lay people alike.

Presentation topics varied from the futuristic design of an orbiting solar power plant (Douglas Hard, 3rd place), to an engaging and controversial analysis of the history of the British nuclear industry (Ross Murison, 1st place), to the moving personal stories of people that still live in the quarantined area surrounding the Chernobyl power plant (Kate Martin). Another presenter (Beth Ripper, 2nd place) used clever interactive methods to explain the complex challenge of storing spent nuclear fuel.

“The quality of the presentation was higher than ever before”, says Tim Chittenden, NI president and leader of this year’s judging panel. The event not only provides an opportunity to practice public speaking skills, and win up to £300, but is also a fantastic social event in which graduates can network with leaders and peers from the nuclear industry.

Well deserved congratulations go out to Patrick for reaching the finals of this hotly contested competition.

See Nuclear Institute website for a related story.