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Professor Dame Fiona Rayment, the Dalton Nuclear Institute鈥檚 BNFL Chair in Nuclear Policy and Capability, and one of the UK's leading nuclear scientists, has built a career defined by scientific curiosity, technical excellence and a commitment to supporting the next generation of nuclear professionals.聽

These themes were at the heart of her acceptance speech after receiving an Honorary Doctor of Science from the University of Leicester, awarded in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the nuclear sector and her collaboration with the University's space power research.聽

We are delighted to share Fiona's reflections on the role of science, the value of mentorship and why asking 'why?' remains one of the most powerful tools any scientist can possess.

"I am deeply honoured and so very grateful to receive this Honorary Doctor of Science degree. I thank the University of Leicester for this remarkable recognition, which I accept with pride and appreciation.

"To be associated with an institution dedicated to the advancement of science, technology and innovation is a privilege. Receiving this honour is a tribute to the many people who have guided, supported, and inspired me throughout my career journey.

"When I started out as a scientist, I had no clue where I would end up or what jobs and roles would come to define me. I owe so much to my mentors, friends, and family, whose encouragement and belief in me have been invaluable. We all remember good teachers, don't we? And they shape us. My chemistry teacher was amazing, and I chose chemistry, or perhaps chemistry chose me, as a result of them. I'm sure of that.

"Science has always been, and will always be, a powerful tool that enables us to understand and shape our world. Every scientific discovery begins with curiosity: the courage to ask questions and to challenge our assumptions about the world. I was always curious, even as a young child, to the annoyance of my parents, who wondered when I would ever stop asking them why. I never did!

"I had the opportunity to apply that curiosity at the University of Leicester, as we explored the possibility of using radioisotopes to power space exploration using Americium-241.

"Although I have explored many opportunities in my career, engaging in multiple roles that required varying degrees of science and engineering, I have enjoyed finding myself as part of this journey. Over the years, I realised that no matter what role I took on, my scientific background would always provide a basis to analyse challenges, find solutions, and in doing so, make a fundamental difference.

"To today's graduates: this marks an important milestone in your lives. Take time to celebrate your achievement, well done to all of you. You are entering a rapidly changing world that needs your talent, and your ability to bring analytical thinking to the challenges we face will be instrumental to our success. Continue to be curious, never stop asking why, and do not underestimate your ability to make a difference.

"One more thing: find a mentor. Everyone needs someone to talk to, bounce ideas off, help build networks, and generally just have your back! It may be one person, it may be a few. Whatever the answer is for you, find a mentor to work with, you will never regret it. And alongside that, learn the importance of creating your own successors - it will make it easier to move on while leaving your legacy in place.

鈥�Thank you once again for this extraordinary honour. I'd like to congratulate everyone on their individual successes, and I wish you all very bright and fulfilled futures.鈥�