Atomic Energy Research Establishment

The Atomic Energy Research Establishment near Harwell, Oxfordshire was the main centre for atomic energy research and development in the United Kingdom from the 1940s to the 1990s.

Founding

In 1945 John Cockcroft was asked to set up a research laboratory in order to further the use of atomic reactions for generating energy. According to the stories he was looking for a site not too close to centres of population, yet also within convenient distance from a major university. He chose a wartime airfield, RAF Harwell, some sixteen miles south of Oxford near Didcot, and on 1 January 1946 the Atomic Energy Research Establishment (AERE) was formed, coming under the Ministry of Supply. The scientists mostly took over both accommodations and work buildings from the departing RAF.

Related Topics:
John Cockcroft - RAF Harwell - Oxford - Didcot - 1 January - 1946

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