Richard Wilbraham

Dr Richard Wilbraham serves as an academic researcher and lecturer at Lancaster University's School of Engineering, where he manages the UTGARD (Uranium & Thorium beta-Gamma Active R&D) Laboratory. His role combines significant research leadership with teaching responsibilities in the Nuclear Engineering program.

Dr. Wilbraham's research expertise spans nuclear materials chemistry and chemical engineering, with particular focus on corrosion phenomena in nuclear environments, fuel precursor fabrication, and SIMFuels development. His analytical chemistry background informs his approach to nuclear materials characterization using various chemical analysis techniques.

His publication record includes work in high-impact journals like Electrochemical Communications, along with over 25 industry reports. Recent 2025 publications demonstrate ongoing research in nuclear waste vitrification and advanced detection methods for fission products, reflecting his continued contribution to nuclear materials science.

Notable recognitions include having his work on process steel corrosion designated as 'International importance' by the SACSESS project oversight committee. His research has been supported by major funding bodies including BEIS, DECC, NNUF, Lloyd's Register Foundation, and EU programs.

• Manager of UTGARD Laboratory since establishment
• Over 10 years as Radiation Protection Supervisor
• Principal investigator on multiple major nuclear research projects
• Reviewer for Corrosion Science and Progress in Nuclear Energy journals

Dr. Wilbraham supervises M.Sc students in Nuclear Engineering while maintaining active research collaborations through international consortia including SACSESS and GENIORS. His laboratory serves as an open-access facility for nuclear materials research, supporting both academic and industry partners in advancing nuclear fuel cycle technologies.