Arts et Métiers is one of the premier engineering schools in France, with a base of nuclear specialists adjacent to the French national nuclear energy research agency, the Commissariat à l’énergie atomique et aux énergies alternatives (CEA), located in Aix-en-Provence.
The alliance with Bristol enables international exchange both of students and of expertise, which enhances the nuclear skills offering at both institutions, including the SW Nuclear Hub’s .
Vice-Chancellor Professor Hugh Brady met with representatives from Arts et Métiers in the University’s David Smith Building to sign the strategic partnership agreement.
A technical workshop on nuclear materials was also held, in which leading experts from Arts et Métiers and the Faculties of Science and Engineering at the University discussed opportunities for collaboration.
Professor David Knowles, Co-Director of the , said: “This new partnership with such a respected nuclear skills and research institution in France substantially enhances our highly productive Franco-British collaboration on nuclear energy research, innovation and skills.
“Together with , and the , this alliance strengthens the potential impact our two institutions can make on the global nuclear research and skills challenges.”
Professor Brady said: “Partnerships such as this – international, strategic and focused on the great challenges of our age – are crucial to the mission of our University. We look forward to working with Arts et Métiers and helping to shape the future of research and training in nuclear energy.”
Professor Xavier Kestelyn, Vice President for Education at Arts et Métiers, was also very enthusiastic about the opportunities this strategic partnership presents. He said: “This strategic partnership fits totally with Arts et Métier’s international strategy. Arts et Métiers, founder member of the French Industry of the Future Alliance, seeks to develop strategic partnerships with a limited number of institutions around the world in academic, research and innovation to accompany European industry in the challenges they face in the industry of the future.”
During his visit, Ambassador Jouyet also addressed members of the French community from Bristol and Bath in the setting of the University’s Life Sciences Building. Here he spoke about the need for collaboration between the UK and France, particularly in the area of education and research, in light of the challenges Brexit poses.
Mr Jouyet was given a tour of the University’s nuclear teaching and research department, where he was able to experience the seismic qualification facilities within the which is being used to support integrity qualification for the graphite core of the UK’s existing fleet of Advanced Gas-cooled Reactors.
The French Ambassador continued his exploration of the South West with a visit to the nuclear power station construction site at Hinkley Point in Somerset.