Dr Christina Hofer

Christina oversees external research and operations within the Atom Probe Group, and is responsible for the group’s three instruments, including the Nuclear Materials Atom Probe (NuMAP), funded by the National Nuclear User Facility (NNUF) project.

Her main research focus is on materials for nuclear applications, where many aspects of materials design and performance assessment in harsh reactor environments must be understood at the atomic scale. The unique nanoscale insights provided by APT include investigating radiation-induced atomic-scale solute clustering, characterising segregation to microstructural interfaces, and locating low concentrations of transmuted elements - all vital information for developing new engineering materials for nuclear applications. APT increasingly underpins research across all stages of the nuclear energy cycle, from materials design for new reactor manufacturing to component safety, failure analysis, waste management, and even accident investigation.

The group works closely with academic and industrial partners both nationally and internationally. If you are interested in collaborating with us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.