A leading scientist from the National Nuclear Laboratory has received an OBE from the Queen.

Dr Fiona Rayment is executive director at the Nuclear Innovation and Research Office, which is part of the government-owned nuclear services technology provider.

She is also one of the few women to have achieved success at the highest level within the industry.

At a ceremony at Buckingham Palace, Dr Rayment received her award for work in the areas of research and development and innovation across the nuclear sector.

She said: “I am tremendously honoured to be awarded an OBE and I am so very proud.

“I am also fortunate to work in an industry that has given me such pleasure and with so many great people who are leading innovations in nuclear research and development.”

With over 25 years’ experience in the nuclear industry, Dr Rayment works primarily within technology, operations and strategic planning roles across a number of different sites both in the UK and internationally.

During her career, she has been involved in the creation of a Nuclear Fuel Centre of Excellence, chaired the Nuclear Energy Agency's Nuclear Innovation 2050 Advisory Panel, and been a member of Idaho National Laboratory Nuclear Science and Technology Committee.

A chartered chemist and engineer, with a PhD in Chemistry from University of Strathclyde, Dr Rayment is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and of the Nuclear Institute.

In addition to her role with the NNL, she also chairs the Nuclear Skills Strategy Group and is a member of the Fusion Advisory Board, the Office of Nuclear Regulation’s Advisory Board, Nuclear Institute’s Board of Trustees and the National Skills Academy Nuclear.

Paul Howarth, chief executive officer at the NNL, said: “It’s hard to think of anyone who deserves to be recognised in this way more than Fiona.

“I’ve worked closely with her for many years and I’ve enjoyed seeing her career develop over that time, as she’s taken on a range of important responsibilities at the national and international level.

“All of which has, rightly, raised her profile across the sector. And whatever the role - if Fiona is involved, you know she’ll do a great job and the end result will be very impressive.”