Professor Shuisheng He has been appointed as the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) Chair in Fusion Technology at the University of Sheffield. This prestigious co-funded appointment marks a significant milestone in the University’s long-term strategic partnership with the UKAEA.
As the UKAEA Chair in Fusion Technology, Professor He will play a pivotal role in cementing the University’s position as a global leader in fusion science. His research will tackle the critical engineering challenges associated with the design of future fusion power plants.
Professor He shared his excitement about the appointment:
"I’m thrilled to bring my experience in nuclear fission to the fusion frontier. There is a massive opportunity here to solve critical challenges in cooling and safety through smarter modelling and collaborative engineering.
Alongside the UKAEA and our team at Sheffield, we are developing the technology to turn fusion power into a practical reality. Together, we are establishing South Yorkshire as a global leader in innovation and the heart of the UK’s fusion delivery.”
This marks the second joint appointment between UKAEA and the University of Sheffield, building on the success of Professor Chris Race’s 2023 appointment as the UKAEA Chair in Fusion Materials.
Steve Wheeler, Executive Director for Fusion Technology said:
“Professor He's appointment is a valuable role for UKAEA and for our collaboration with the University. As we accelerate the development of fusion power plant concepts, we need world‑leading expertise to address key challenges in fusion research, development and innovation. This appointment is central to ensuring we have the scientific depth and engineering capabilities required to meet the challenges ahead.
“We are looking forward to working with Shuisheng. His collaborative mindset, his experience in thermal hydraulics and his passion for tackling complex engineering challenges embody exactly the strengths we value at UKAEA. I am confident that his support will be instrumental in our work whilst strengthening our strategic partnership with the University of Sheffield.”
About Professor Shuisheng He
A prominent academic within the School of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, Professor He is a Chartered Engineer and IMechE Fellow, and his research focuses on fluid mechanics, heat transfer and nuclear fission technologies. In his new role, he will work closely with the UKAEA’s Thermal Hydraulics and computer modelling teams to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial application.
Expanding collaboration
Launched in 2023, the £3 million partnership between the University of Sheffield and UKAEA is a strategic five-year commitment to solving the world’s most pressing fusion challenges. By uniting academic excellence with industrial expertise, this collaboration accelerates the delivery of fusion science and positions the UK at the forefront of the global sustainable energy transition.