As part of ONR's duties outlined in the Energy Act 2013 (section 88), we may carry out or commission research connected to our five purposes and must publish the research results, if we consider it appropriate to do so.
Why do we carry out or commission research?
Our 2019-2024 research strategy states that we will use research to support our independent regulatory decision-making while delivering value for money, helping our inspectors form their regulatory judgements confidently and effectively using robust, up-to-date scientific and technical information relevant to our five purposes.
The strategy identifies three main drivers for us to carry out or commission research:
- We require independent advice to assist with our decision-making, particularly where the decisions we make might be considered to be contentious;
- We have identified a knowledge gap requiring research that cannot be carried out by the dutyholder; and
- Our specialists require greater understanding and oversight of developing innovations or emerging subjects.
We are currently developing our 2025-2030 research strategy, which we will publish at the end of 2024.
Examples of research aims
- Gaining diverse views of a subject to support our independent decision-making;
- Gathering examples of relevant good practice;
- Exploring assumptions underpinning safety, security or safeguards submissions;
- Identifying potential improvements to existing models or data; and
- Better understanding how to apply new technologies to support regulatory activities.
How do we carry out or commission research?
The Heads of Profession for each of our specialisms regularly review their specialist areas to identify potential research needs.
Research projects are formally proposed through completion of a regulatory research proposal submitted to the Research function. These proposals confirm the research is in line with our regulatory framework and support our strategic themes. We liaise with other UK regulators, the nuclear industry, and other major national and international nuclear research bodies to ensure our research proposals offer value for money.
To develop these proposals into tangible, useful outputs, we will convert the proposals into specifications, and then discuss these with the nuclear industry and key research providers. If appropriate, the nuclear industry will be invited to commission research to address these topics and share the results with ONR. If not, ONR will commission the research and publish the results. In most cases we will charge the costs of the research back to the relevant licensees and dutyholders. Industry groups also manage and deliver long-term research work, which we monitor.
How do we ensure our research is effective and offers value for money?
To demonstrate we are commissioning research in a proportionate and appropriate manner, we perform an annual internal qualitative evaluation of effectiveness of the research we commission, applying the National Audit Office’s value for money criteria, i.e., economy, efficiency and effectiveness. We occasionally qualify effectiveness by sampling research via independent third party review, particularly where research might recommend changes of regulatory expectation or approach, or where expert opinion is divided.
The outcomes of our effectiveness review form part of the annual Chief Nuclear Inspector’s report on the state of safety, security and safeguards in the GB nuclear industry.
Explore our research
Download a spreadsheet listing ongoing and completed research projects we have led or commissioned.
