Dr Ross Peel MEng
Research Fellow
Research interests
- Conflict
- Security
- International relations
Biography
Dr Ross Peel is a Research Fellow in the Department of War Studies and the Centre for Science & Security Studies (CSSS). In this role, he leads research activities on nuclear security and safeguards, and examines the role of nuclear power plants in war and as tools of international diplomacy. Ross also manages a variety of other activities within CSSS, covering topics on non-proliferation, strategic trade controls and open-source intelligence. Ross joined King’s College London as a Research Associate in June 2019 to lead work in nuclear safeguards, machine learning and intangible technology transfer, before taking on his current role in early 2020.
From 2017 to 2019, Ross was an Associate Partner and Nuclear Systems Consulting Engineer with Nuclear-21 Ltd, an international consultancy company specialising in providing critical decision support to nuclear science and technology stakeholders.
Ross gained his PhD from the University of Sheffield through the Nuclear FiRST Centre for Doctoral Training in September 2017, studying chemistry and physics aspects of thorium-based nuclear fuel cycles and spending three months working with AREVA in Paris. He holds an MEng in Mechanical Engineering with French from the University of Sheffield, which included a year studying abroad at INSA Lyon in France.
Research
- Nuclear security and safeguards, particularly of small modular and advanced reactors
- International ownership and control of nuclear energy assets
- Strategic trade controls, particularly intangible technology transfer
- Non-proliferation of WMD and delivery systems
Teaching
Ross is the module convener for 7SSWN077 / 7SSWM077 – Armchair Intelligence: Open Sources and Online Investigation, an MA module in the Department of War Studies.
Ross also contributes to other teaching within the Department of War Studies as an occasional guest lecturer on topics related to civil and military nuclear technologies.
Research
Iran – Exploring proliferation risks and proposing solutions
This research focuses on exploring proliferation risks stemming from Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes and proposing forward looking solutions.
Project status: Completed
DPRK - Economic Sanctions and Security in East Asia
Understanding the effect of uni- and multilateral sanctions regime against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Project status: Completed
News
King's leads workshops on floating nuclear power plant challenges in Southeast Asia
King's staff joined nuclear leaders in Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand to explore why it will be many years before these technologies will be viable.
King's academics publish the definitive book on nuclear security with Oxford University Press
With over 60 contributors spanning six continents, and coverage of historical, current and emerging issues, The Oxford Handbook of Nuclear Security brings the...
New report analyses nuclear security in academic and research settings
A new case studies handbook has been published that explores how security systems are developed within universities and research institutions to protect...
New report issues recommendations for more secure nuclear energy
It highlights the importance of integrating security and safeguards into the design of future nuclear reactors.
New research examines safer knowledge transfer in research settings
A new catalogue of case studies in the field export control helps universities and researchers pursue academic exchange without jeopardising international...
US Designates New Iran Centrifuge Material Supply Networks
Several Chinese aluminium manufacturers have been designated by the US for allegedly supplying dual-use materials to Iran. If the allegations are true, this...
Events
Talk with Dr Tristan Volpe: Nuclear proliferation after Ukraine
The Centre for Science & Security Studies (CSSS) invites you to attend a discussion on some key questions surrounding the global nuclear order and its future....
Please note: this event has passed.
A different kind of nuclear weapon: Russian abuse of Ukrainian nuclear power plants
Dr Ross Peel explores the events at the Zaporizhzhia power plant since Russian military forces took control.
Please note: this event has passed.
Nuclear security for small modular novel advanced reactors
Join the May edition of the Nuclear Security Culture Programme webinar series.
Please note: this event has passed.
Nuclear Security and Safeguards Considerations for Next Generation Reactors: International Approaches
Join this hybrid side-event as part of the Conference of the Parties to the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material...
Please note: this event has passed.
Features
Dr Ross Peel: “Chornobyl is an event that completely changed how we do nuclear safety and nuclear security”
Dr Ross Peel discusses the critical lessons learned from Chernobyl and the contemporary challenges posed by the war in Ukraine in terms of nuclear security...
What are the many risks of shelling of Europe's biggest nuclear power plant?
ROSS PEEL: Russia’s president Vladimir Putin might wish to control the plant for several reasons
Why are the proposals for a demilitarised zone around Europe's biggest nuclear power plant unprecedented?
DR ROSS PEEL: This is the first time an international body has overseen an endangered nuclear plant during a war.
Should we be worried about Nuclear Power Stations in Ukraine?
ROSS PEEL: Concerns were raised over Chernobyl nuclear power plant , but of greater concern should be Ukraine’s 15 operable nuclear reactors.
Research
Iran – Exploring proliferation risks and proposing solutions
This research focuses on exploring proliferation risks stemming from Iran’s nuclear and missile programmes and proposing forward looking solutions.
Project status: Completed
DPRK - Economic Sanctions and Security in East Asia
Understanding the effect of uni- and multilateral sanctions regime against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
Project status: Completed
News
King's leads workshops on floating nuclear power plant challenges in Southeast Asia
King's staff joined nuclear leaders in Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand to explore why it will be many years before these technologies will be viable.
King's academics publish the definitive book on nuclear security with Oxford University Press
With over 60 contributors spanning six continents, and coverage of historical, current and emerging issues, The Oxford Handbook of Nuclear Security brings the...
New report analyses nuclear security in academic and research settings
A new case studies handbook has been published that explores how security systems are developed within universities and research institutions to protect...
New report issues recommendations for more secure nuclear energy
It highlights the importance of integrating security and safeguards into the design of future nuclear reactors.
New research examines safer knowledge transfer in research settings
A new catalogue of case studies in the field export control helps universities and researchers pursue academic exchange without jeopardising international...
US Designates New Iran Centrifuge Material Supply Networks
Several Chinese aluminium manufacturers have been designated by the US for allegedly supplying dual-use materials to Iran. If the allegations are true, this...
Events
Talk with Dr Tristan Volpe: Nuclear proliferation after Ukraine
The Centre for Science & Security Studies (CSSS) invites you to attend a discussion on some key questions surrounding the global nuclear order and its future....
Please note: this event has passed.
A different kind of nuclear weapon: Russian abuse of Ukrainian nuclear power plants
Dr Ross Peel explores the events at the Zaporizhzhia power plant since Russian military forces took control.
Please note: this event has passed.
Nuclear security for small modular novel advanced reactors
Join the May edition of the Nuclear Security Culture Programme webinar series.
Please note: this event has passed.
Nuclear Security and Safeguards Considerations for Next Generation Reactors: International Approaches
Join this hybrid side-event as part of the Conference of the Parties to the Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material...
Please note: this event has passed.
Features
Dr Ross Peel: “Chornobyl is an event that completely changed how we do nuclear safety and nuclear security”
Dr Ross Peel discusses the critical lessons learned from Chernobyl and the contemporary challenges posed by the war in Ukraine in terms of nuclear security...
What are the many risks of shelling of Europe's biggest nuclear power plant?
ROSS PEEL: Russia’s president Vladimir Putin might wish to control the plant for several reasons
Why are the proposals for a demilitarised zone around Europe's biggest nuclear power plant unprecedented?
DR ROSS PEEL: This is the first time an international body has overseen an endangered nuclear plant during a war.
Should we be worried about Nuclear Power Stations in Ukraine?
ROSS PEEL: Concerns were raised over Chernobyl nuclear power plant , but of greater concern should be Ukraine’s 15 operable nuclear reactors.