AS the former Berkeley Nuclear Laboratories undergoes its regeneration as a college hub for engineering and cyber technology former staff are delving into the site’s history.

About 750 staff worked at the laboratories with about 200 professional scientists and engineers supported by highly qualified technicians, skilled designers, and administration staff.

The labs opened in 1961 to service and support the nuclear power stations in England Wales as well as further research.

Former Dursley Mayor and Stroud District Council leader Geoff Wheeler is the Berkeley Research Group spokesperson, he said: “We want to show future generations of young people taking training courses at the Berkeley GREEN Campus how important jobs in science and engineering are to the country’s future, and how they can contribute to both large and small scale projects.”

“Although there are about 20 people in our group we have been able to call on the experiences of almost 200 ex-labs employees.

“It is important also that we draw on the memories of local people who may have worked at the labs, and I would ask them to get in touch if they wish to contribute.”

BNL scientists did not work in isolation, there were many examples of co-operation with industrial and university research, both in the UK and overseas.

Much of the work attained worldwide recognition and formed the basis for future research into electricity generation using nuclear power.

SGS College Principal, Sara-Jane Watkins, said: “As Berkeley Nuclear Laboratories continues its £30 million transformation it is important for us to ensure the history of the site is well documented and celebrated.

“In the near future I’m confident that the college will start to add its own milestones to the site’s history books.”

A major part of the R&D activities at Berkeley related to the reactor systems in operation – Magnox power stations, of which Berkeley was one of the first in 1962, and the Advanced Gas-Cooled Reactor stations, which are still generating electricity.

The scientists and engineering expertise covered a wide range of disciplines to examine all aspects of the efficiency and safety of the reactors, whose materials operated in harsh conditions of temperature, pressure and radiation.

If you would like to contribute to the Berkeley Research Group contact Geoff Wheeler call 01453 545583 or email geof.wheeler@btinternet.com