The 8th EDF Nuclear Graphite Conference

Graphite Expertise in support of current operation and the next generation of nuclear reactors.

Conference Theme

The UK has extensive, world-leading experience in nuclear graphite, primarily managing graphite-moderated, CO2-cooled Advanced Gas-cooled Reactors (AGRs). Current expertise focuses on understanding radiation-induced graphite degradation, safety modelling for existing reactors, and pioneering sustainable recycling technologies for future reactors.

The EDF is focused on managing the ageing of graphite cores as the current fleet approaches end of generation while together with the rest of UK research community developing understanding for future High-Temperature Reactors (HTRs) that can withstand extreme conditions.

The key themes will cover:

• Graphite behaviour under irradiation
• Graphite component ageing and degradation
• Demonstration of tolerance to the ageing and degradation

For both AGRs and HTRs.
Decommissioning of graphite is also a current topic to deal with both the legacy waste and the future volume of graphite from the next generation of reactors.
The conference co-chairs will be Dr Jim Reed (EdF Nuclear Operations) and Professor Dong Liu (University of Oxford).

Abstracts

Abstracts are now invited • 100 - 200 words • Deadline: Monday 20th July, 2026

• Submit in Microsoft Word using the abstract template (maximum one A4 page).
• Include subject line EdF-26 Abstract in your submission e-mail.
• Submissions should be sent to Professor Tony Wickham (conference manager) at edfgraphite@gmail.com.

Important: Please use the edfgraphite@gmail.com address for conference business ONLY. For any other matter, Tony Wickham should be contacted at wickhamtony1@gmail.com.

In common with previous EdF nuclear graphite conferences, there will be a proceedings publication and a full paper supporting each presentation is invited, ideally by the end of September 2026, for peer review. (this timing will allow any amendments resulting from discussion at the meeting to be made).

Receipt of all abstracts will be acknowledged and acceptance decisions will be shared as soon as possible.
Presentations should be prepared for a 15-minute talk plus 5 minutes for discussion.

Conference Venue

This is a residential conference, hosted at Queens College, High Street, Oxford OX1 4AW, UK. The registration (except for locally-based delegates) includes accommodation: B&B for the nights of 21/22/23 September and a formal dinner in college on the evening of Wednesday 23rd September.
Registration fees will be announced shortly to include en-suite single rooms at what is considered to be a very reasonable rate given the cost of hotel rooms in the City of Oxford area!