Nuclear expert and government consultant Dr Sue Ion has been made a Dame for her services to science and engineering. Dr Ion, a non-executive board member of the Health and Safety Laboratory, was appointed Dame Commander of the British Empire in the Queen's New Year Honours List.

A renowned world expert in nuclear fuels and technology, Dr Ion is a member of the Council of Science and Technology and, as such, advises the Prime Minister, and First Ministers of Scotland and Wales, with regard to medium and long term strategic policies. She is also a member of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Chairs the UK's Fusion Advisory Board. Formerly a Group Director of Technology for BNFL, Dr Ion was recently involved in consultation over the government's new energy strategy.

Dr Ion, 54, has been invited to receive her DBE at the Palace in June. It will be her second visit having been awarded the OBE for services to the nuclear industry in 2002. She said: "I am delighted of course but utterly shocked to have received this incredible honour. I have thoroughly enjoyed my career and feel a great sense of pride in being able to share my knowledge and experience with others, especially as part of the Council for Science and Technology and in helping to inform government policy which will affect the country for generations to come."

Dr Ion has an extensive knowledge of the nuclear fuel cycle, especially fuel manufacture, reprocessing and recycling technologies and has represented the UK on a number of international review and oversight committees for the nuclear sector including the International Atomic Energy Agency Standing Advisory Group on Nuclear Energy, the European Commission Euratom Science and Technology Committee and the US Department of Energy Nuclear Energy Research Advisory Committee

She became a non executive board member of HSL in 2006 following five years on the Health and Safety Executive's oversight panel. As such, Dr Ion acts in a consultative role and promotes the work of the laboratory .whenever the opportunity presents itself with both private sector companies and Government Departments.

Despite a busy schedule and association with a number of different organisations, Sue describes working with the HSL as a great privilege She said: "The Health and Safety Laboratory is an incredible facility undertaking vital work to further the understanding and mitigate the risks for the health and safety of workers in the UK and across the globe. The laboratory hosts an amazing array of talent across a huge range of sectors and is a true hidden gem in the science and engineering industry."

Eddie Morland, CEO of HSL, said: "Sue Ion is an inspirational figure who deserves to be recognised for the huge contribution she has made to the nuclear industry and the wider scientific world. In addition, her work with HSL, the Council for Science and Technology and a whole host of other review, scrutiny, oversight and consultation panels, has seen her expertise used to inform government and international policy which will have an impact upon future energy strategy for generations to come.

"Sue is not one to trumpet her own achievements so we are delighted that she has been recognised by the highest authorities and rewarded for a distinguished career. We are truly thrilled for her to have received this honour."

With a first class honours degree and a PhD from Imperial College, Dr Ion joined BNFL in 1979 where she made her career in materials science and metallurgy and was winner of the Hinton Medal for excellence in nuclear engineering in 1993.

She became Group Director of Technology and Chief Technology Officer of British Nuclear Fuels plc, a position she held from 1992 until 2006 and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 1997. She served as Vice President of the Royal Academy of Engineering from 2002-2008 and remains Chairman of its Energy Policy Group

Originally from Cumbria, Dr Ion grew up in Lancashire, attending Penwortham High School for Girls. She now lives in Leyland with her husband John. She is a visiting professor at Imperial College, honourary professor at University of Central Lancashire and on the board of governors at Manchester University.

ENDS

For more information or to arrange an interview with Dr Sue Ion please contact the press office

Editors Note:

The Health and Safety Laboratory was originally set up as HSE's in-house research and testing facility and continues to fulfil that original function, helping HSE deliver the UK Government's strategy for improving health and safety.

HSL's expertise and specialist services are also available to public and private sector clients in the UK and overseas. In 2008/9, independently sourced (i.e. non-HSE) business accounted for 20 per cent of the organisation's total revenue.

Press contact: Karen Wilkinson 01298 218814