STFC and NDA sign new Memorandum of Understanding
09 Jun 2026
We’re pleased to announce the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA). The NDA is responsible for decommissioning the UK’s nuclear legacy, including managing radioactive waste and providing routes to interim storage and disposal across one of Europe’s largest and most complex clean-up programmes.
STFC operates world-leading scientific facilities, including the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (RAL). As a pioneering national laboratory, it is vital that any radioactive waste is managed in a responsible and considered way. Effective long-term planning for waste management helps ensure the facilities can continue to operate efficiently, sustainably, and with maximum scientific impact.
By working together, STFC and the NDA will:
- Develop coordinated, long-term strategies for radioactive waste management
- Improve value for money for the UK taxpayer through shared planning and expertise
- Reduce future risks by aligning decisions and infrastructure across organisations
- Support continued UK neutron science by ensuring responsible, reliable waste routes for current and future facilities
Collaboration between STFC and the NDA has already supported the development of jointly agreed radioactive waste management plans, strengthening confidence in STFC’s long term waste management strategies and enabling more effective financial and operational planning.
The scope of the MoU spans the complete lifecycle of ISIS and future facilities. It includes radioactive waste arising from current operations, planning for end-of-life decommissioning, and input into the design and development of a next-generation neutron source. Embedding waste management considerations from the outset will ensure sustainable, optimised solutions are in place for the future.
This MoU reflects the strong commitment of both the NDA and STFC to working closely together on sustainable, forward‑looking solutions, strengthening the long‑term strategic approach for how ISIS manages radioactive waste, both now and into the future.
Matt North, Head of ISIS Instrumentation Division
This partnership brings together the NDA’s leadership and expertise in radioactive waste management with STFC’s leadership in large-scale scientific infrastructure, helping to ensure that the UK continues to deliver cutting-edge research while managing its environmental responsibilities safely and sustainably.
Matt North, Head of ISIS Instrumentation Division, said: “This MoU reflects the strong commitment of both the NDA and STFC to working closely together on sustainable, forward‑looking solutions, strengthening the long‑term strategic approach for how ISIS manages radioactive waste, both now and into the future.”
Dale McQueen, NDA Group Head of Non-NDA Liabilities, said: “The NDA group has deep expertise in radioactive waste and decommissioning, developed through decades of managing some of the most complex nuclear challenges in the UK. Collaborating with organisations such as STFC allows us to share that experience while learning from the unique challenges of operating world‑class research facilities. This agreement builds on our existing relationship and supports a more joined‑up, strategic approach that will help reduce risk and deliver better outcomes for the taxpayer.”
