Prof. Paul Howarth CBE

Non-Executive Director

Paul has extensive experience in the nuclear industry covering operations, commercial and research portfolios in the UK and also overseas. He has worked with a broad range of stakeholders across Government, industry and academia. Key highlights:

PhD in Nuclear Physics on the European Fusion Programme
Worked on Plutonium Finishing Lines at Sellafield
Post-Doctorate Research in Japan on Actinide X-ray Measurements for Advanced Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing
Worked closely with UK Government on case for new nuclear build
Co-founded the Dalton Nuclear Institute at Manchester University
Chief Executive of the UK National Nuclear Laboratory and led transition from GOCO to Gov UK
Elected Fellow of Royal Academy of Engineering in 2014 and Alumnus from Harvard Business School

Latest news

Group of people sat down facing away from the camera sat in rows at a conference watching a stage with a large screen

AWE hosts its first Nuclear Safety Conference

In late 2025, the Government published the Nuclear Regulatory Review, a landmark report described by the Prime Minister as “establishing a clear and ambitious course to renew our nuclear sector, to accelerate the safe, secure, and affordable delivery of nuclear projects across civil, defence, and decommissioning”.

Materials scientist appointed Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry

We are delighted to announce that Roy Awbery has been elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC).

HRH King Charles looking directly at the camera stood against a blurred background

Press Releases

29 Dec 2025

Celebrating Excellence: Three Honours Awarded in the New Year Honours List

As we welcome the New Year, we are proud to announce that three outstanding individuals from AWE have been recognised in the New Year Honours List for their exceptional contributions and dedication.