Member Article

Sunderland engineer Fanny Fouin becomes first woman to chair Nuclear Institute’s North East branch

Assystem, the world’s third largest nuclear engineering organisation, is delighted to announce that Fanny Fouin, Senior Mechanical Engineer has been appointed as the first ever female to Chair the Nuclear Institute’s North East branch.

Fanny, based at Assystem’s offices in Sunderland will use her new role to engage with local nuclear engineering companies, and ensuring they build a strong nuclear local network in the UK’s North East region.

Fanny will also be responsible for educating students about the nuclear sector and encouraging more young people to pursue careers in engineering and boost interest in vital STEM subjects.

Commenting on the announcement, Fanny Fouin, Senior Mechanical Engineer, Assystem said, *“Having worked in the nuclear engineering sector all through my career, I am honoured to take on this role. I am looking forward to meeting and working together with my industry peers from the North East and to create a strong nuclear network in the region. I am humbled by the opportunity to meet students and young people, educating them on career and employment opportunities the nuclear sector can offer. It is vital that on a local and national level, the nuclear industry comes together to show how it can play a major part in generating carbon-free energy.” *

Also commenting on the announcement, NI CEO Sarah Beacock said, “We are delighted to have Fanny on board as the new Chair of NI’s North East branch which has always done a great job of supporting the membership in the region. Fanny is an asset for the NI who will inspire more young people to build careers in nuclear engineering.“

Along with this volunteering role, Fanny will continue to hold her position at Assystem, wherein she plays an important role in nuclear fusion projects like DEMO, UKAEA and ITER – the world’s largest-ever nuclear fusion reactor.

As part of this project, Fanny along with the Sunderland based team of scientists are working on designing robotic equipment that can safely remove irradiated components and dust from the heart of the machine. The focus lies on creating robotic equipment that can operate in such harsh environment e.g. high temperatures and very high level of radiation in the world’s largest fusion experiment.

Fanny is an avid STEM skills ambassador and has worked with numerous schools, universities and groups such as the Young Generation Network North East to promote the opportunities offered by the nuclear power generation industry.

Fanny takes charge of the Nuclear Institute’s North East branch from Phillip Vaughan, who had held this role efficiently for several years.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Assystem .