75 Years of AWE: A landmark innovation showcase

On 16 October, AWE marked a major milestone in its history with the ‘AWE75: Proud of our past. Prepared for our future.’ event at the Institution of Civil Engineers, London. The event saw over 100 guests from across government, academia and the defence community gather to commemorate AWE’s legacy and look ahead to our future.

The event showcased AWE’s enduring contribution to the UK’s nuclear deterrent and its evolving role in national security.

Keynote speeches were made by our Chairman Sam Laidlaw and CEO Nick Elliott CB MBE. A panel session hosted by James Gurling OBE featured thought leaders from across the Defence Nuclear Enterprise, including The Rt Hon the Lord Simon Case, Dr Rebecca Weston, Director-General at the Ministry of Defence, Dominic Kieran, global managing director, Cameco and AWE’s Professor Andrew Randewich CBE, Mandy Savage, and Andrew McNaughton FREng, CEng, FICE who shared insights on collaboration and innovation in support of our mission.

Olivia Bailey, MP for Reading West and Mid Berkshire closed the presentations with a message of support, reinforcing the importance of AWE’s contribution to both national defence and regional prosperity.

Attendees met with members of AWE’s Board, plus the Executive and senior leadership group whilst exploring an interactive exhibition. The exhibition highlighted the breadth of our work, the depth of our expertise, our nationwide impact and STEM outreach programme.

Learn more about AWE75 and the role we play in UK defence here.