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Dr Iwona Zwierzak, Manufacturing and Innovation Lead at the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (Nuclear AMRC), Advanced Manufacturing Group.

After completing a degree in Biomedical Engineering at Wroclaw University of Technology, Poland, Iwona worked as an engineer for an electronic company. In this role, she focused on improving component designs and developing new and existing products, collaborating closely with the headquarters in Korea.

Iwona’s desire to work in research and development led her to secure a Postgraduate Research role at the Orthopaedic Institute Rizzoli in Bologna, Italy. She later completed her PhD and Postdoc in Cardiovascular Engineering with the Medical Physics Group at the University of 91ֱ�� and also gained project management experience at the Insigneo Institute.

Since joining the Nuclear AMRC, Iwona has led projects focusing on manufacturing innovation and sustainable manufacturing, working towards solutions to decarbonise the supply chain. Additionally, she acts as a company lead for the Nuclear Graduates, supporting them in their journey at the Centre. Iwona also leads the gender balance and inclusive recruitment themes for the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) group at Nuclear AMRC and mentors women in the nuclear sector.

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Iwona reflects on her goals for Net Zero and her ongoing commitment toward addressing gender gaps and promoting inclusive recruitment practices at the Nuclear AMRC:

“I’ve been working on innovative manufacturing technologies that should facilitate the transition to clean nuclear energy. I’m hopeful that these advancements will significantly help our planet by reducing the carbon footprint of manufacturing.

“Reflecting on what we need to do to achieve Net Zero, I believe it’s a combination of manufacturing, innovation and collaboration. We’re exploring how advanced manufacturing can replace, complement or enhance conventional manufacturing technologies. This should reduce energy consumption and waste, enable real-time defect detection and improve component quality. These efforts are expected to significantly reduce the manufacturing carbon footprint. In the future, these technologies will be applied across industries to enhance manufacturing productivity and further reduce carbon emissions.

“I’m really proud to play a part in manufacturing innovation and researching new technologies that will improve manufacturing for the energy sector. This work is significant for nuclear new builds as it will positively impact our planet by reducing carbon emissions. I do believe that innovation drives positive change.

“Alongside this work, I am also part of the Nuclear AMRC’s ED&I group, responsible for addressing gender gaps and promoting inclusive recruitment practices. Our vision for ED&I is to create a fully inclusive environment where everyone can excel. Our mission is to educate, influence, and embed an inclusive culture throughout the organisation. Ensuring that all feel that they belong in the organisation is something I am incredibly passionate about. I believe that each person brings unique values to the organisation and that diverse teams foster greater creativity due to a wider range of experiences.

“I have also completed the Women in Nuclear (WiN) mentor training program, which has resulted in successful mentoring and significant progress in individuals' career development. Through this experience, I have developed strong listening skills, enabling me to ask the right questions that help mentees understand their true professional and personal aspirations. Witnessing my mentees grow and achieve their goals is incredibly satisfying and something I enjoy greatly. It is incredibly rewarding to witness a mentee's happiness when they ‘open their wings and fulfil their dreams’. I’d encourage everyone to get involved in mentoring.”

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Thank you to all the women for taking the time to share their stories and reflections and for providing the information featured on these web pages.