The Appointment of our Scientific Officer
Cyclife Aquila Nuclear have been involved in the nuclear industry for the past 40 years with experience from every licensed nuclear site in the UK. Within the nuclear medicine sector, we have had an enviable track record in the design, manufacture, and installation of radiopharmaceutical systems throughout Europe. With our growing expertise and reputation, we are committed to being thought leaders within the nuclear medicine sector.
CAN’s Involvement in the Nuclear Medicine Sector
So, what is nuclear medicine and how are CAN involved? Nuclear medicine is a medical speciality that uses radioactive materials, known as radioisotopes or radiopharmaceuticals, to either treat or diagnose medical conditions by inserting the nuclear substance into the body. Once the substance is either ingested, inhaled, or injected into the body the doctor will begin taking photographs using Positron Emission Tomography (PET) or Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT). This will then flag an abnormality and result in a diagnosis. The same substance can also be used to treat medical conditions such as cancer. This revolutionary technology makes the nuclear medicine sector an exciting one to be a part of.
Dave Barker, Director of Strategy, recognises the importance of being a part of this sector and goes on to tell us about CAN’s involvement: “CAN serves all nuclear sectors including the ever-advancing field of nuclear medicines. At CAN we work with hospitals and research organisations throughout Europe. CAN specialises in the development of processes integrated within hot cells for new radioisotopes for diagnostics and therapy. The latest technologies include targeted alpha therapies which have the possibility of revolutionising treatment for cancer patients.”
You can read more about our work here: CAN & Nuclear Medicine
The Appointment of our Scientific Officer
With the global direction in targeted alpha therapies, we decided to appoint a Scientific Officer, a brand-new role to CAN. Amin Choudhury joined CAN in May this year, he supports our engineering capability in the radiochemical and clinical aspects of radiopharmaceutical production. Amin also supports the commercial and delivery teams, providing leadership in nuclear medicine technology as well as shaping our progress into the growing nuclear medicine market globally.
Amin also develops relationships with academia, clients, the supply chain, and trade bodies to help Nuclear Medicine capabilities and services at CAN. Here is what he has to say about joining CAN with details on his past experiences and what he has brought to the team so far:
“I have over 6 years of GMP experience, including; 4 years of Nuclear Medicine experience, over a year in ATMP (Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products) and most recently, Irradiation of Medical Devices. My Nuclear Medicine experience includes cyclotron produced F18 products which were terminally sterilised in autoclaves -to- Ga68 products from generators which were manufactured under aseptic conditions. The most valuable experience I have is being part of a new-build project to open a radiopharmacy in London where I enhanced my knowledgeable in Validation systems and Quality Systems. A skill I am proud to carry forward into my role as Scientific Officer is Innovation, where I have practical experience in modifying HotCells to meet the needs of operations and regulations, and practical experience working with various chemistry modules and dispensing modules within these isolators. I see my role as a bridge between CAN and the client, where the knowledge in Nuclear Medicine provides trust and support for the client when searching for solutions with CAN, additionally, with the renewed in-house knowledge, CAN offers pragmatic and innovative solutions to the Nuclear Medicine industry in an effective and assured manner.”
Over the past few months, Amin has demonstrated a real depth of experience which is helping us achieve a stronger understanding of Nuclear Medicine and how we can enhance our solutions and capabilities to serve our clients, showcasing our commitment to being thought leaders within the sector.
Strengthening our Knowledge
Another way we have been strengthening our knowledge is through industry events and conferences. In May, Dave Barker, Director of Strategy and Paul Adlem, Customer Manager flew out to Belfast to attend the British Nuclear Medicine Society’s (BNMS) Annual Spring Meeting. The conference explored pioneering innovations in Nuclear Medicine, Therapeutics and Diagnostics and continually serves as a central hub for professionals and organisations dedicated to nuclear medicine. Amin and Paul will also be attending the BNMS Autumn Meeting later in October.
CAN’S presence at these events highlight our crucial commitment to innovation, research, and development in the realm of life-saving nuclear therapeutics and diagnostics. A core aspect of our mission is our ability to ensure timely availability and safe handling of nuclear materials crucial for nuclear medical advancements. Handling radioactive materials requires stringent safety protocols and state-of-the-art facilities to prevent contamination and ensure the well-being of researchers and patients. Our facilities are equipped with advanced technology to manage these risks effectively, supporting the continuous innovation of diagnostic and therapeutic methods.
We are thrilled about the future of Nuclear Medicine at CAN, our growing expertise in the nuclear medicine sector positions us as a key player. Now with Amin on the team, we can further strengthen our knowledge and capabilities, solidifying our role as thought leaders in the industry.
Paul and Dave at the BNMS Annual Spring Meeting 2024
Phil Saunderson
Introducing Phil Saunderson, one of our Principal Engineers! We asked Phil a few questions to get to know more about his role at CAN and what he does outside of work.
What is your role at CAN and what do you enjoy the most about it?
I’m a Principal Engineer and a Technical Authority for Remote Operations. What I enjoy most about my role is the challenge of integrating advanced systems in highly controlled environments and helping more junior engineers develop.
How long have you worked at CAN for?
I have been with CAN for 1.5 years.
What advice would you give to someone joining the business?
My advice would be to embrace the complexity of the projects and never shy away from asking questions. The work we do is highly specialised, and continuous learning is key. Also, collaboration is crucial here—working closely with your team will not only enhance your skills but also lead to better outcomes for the projects.
What do you do at the weekends?
On weekends, I’m usually going to the gym, and catching up with friends/family. I’ll also, depending on the weather, either be going to the cinema and working on construction projects, or finding hidden gems along the south coast in the campervan, and some beach volleyball.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I make a superb Old Fashioned.
Interested in working for CAN? Check out our latest vacancies here: Vacancies – Cyclife Aquila Nuclear | EDF Group
Charlotte Webber
Introducing Charlotte Webber one of our Mechanical Design Engineers! We asked Charlotte a few questions to get to know more about her role at CAN and what she does outside of work.
What is your role at CAN and what do you enjoy the most about it?
As a member of the CAN front end engineering team, I work primarily in opportunities providing technical input during the tendering process. Type of input can vary depending on the bid, however I primarily focus on writing technical responses for proposals.
I enjoy working in the front-end team, the role offers variety and a chance to utilise technical experience gained during my career. My days are varied, and I can work on several opportunities at a time along with gaining further knowledge and a deeper understanding of commercial activities.
How long have you worked at CAN for?
I’m relatively new to the CAN team, I joined at the end of January 2024.
What advice would you give to someone joining the business?
CAN has allowed me to gain experience in areas in which I wanted to develop, along with offering supportive environment. Starting a new job can be daunting, especially if it is a new sector. My advice is to be open, communicate your career aspirations and take the time to enjoy developing new skills and building new connections.
What do you do at the weekends?
I am at my happiness when being active and spending time outdoors, my weekends usually consist of some form of activity, climbing, surfing (when we have waves), going out on my bike and relaxing with friends and family.
Interested in working for CAN? Check out our latest vacancies here: Vacancies – Cyclife Aquila Nuclear | EDF Group
James Pawsey
Introducing James Pawsey one of our Senior Mechanical Design Engineers! We asked James a few questions to get to know more about his role at CAN and what he does outside of work.
What is your role at CAN and what do you enjoy the most about it?
I’ve recently transitioned from a Mechanical Engineer to a Senior Mechanical Design Engineer at CAN. This shift in my role means I’m stepping up to showcase my skills while mentoring younger, less experienced engineers – a new and exciting challenge for me. Working on a large project with a dynamic team of about 20 engineers is great. The diversity of experience and knowledge we bring to the table creates a vibrant team atmosphere and makes collaboration enjoyable. There’s a real sense of camaraderie here.
Additionally, CAN excels in employment development. The opportunities for growth are fantastic, and they genuinely encourage us to achieve our professional goals. I’m currently working on my chartership application, thanks to CAN working hard on rolling out their Professional Development Scheme, which has recently been accredited by the iMechE. It’s empowering to be part of a company that invests so much in its employees’ future.
How long have you worked at CAN for?
I have worked at CAN for 2.5 years.
What advice would you give to someone joining the business?
Adjusting to the work style in the nuclear industry was a challenge for me initially. Before CAN, I was used to a product turnaround of 8-12 weeks, but here, the projects are more complex and involve extensive analysis, safety design, and detailed reporting. At first, it felt like I wasn’t doing much engineering, but soon I realised that these discussions and reports are integral to creating a clear and effective design before diving into the CAD work. This meticulous approach might not suit everyone, but I thrive on the detail. It’s intellectually stimulating and deeply rewarding.
What do you do at the weekends?
I’m often hopping between bars and restaurants, enjoying the local scene. To balance it out, I like to play tennis and workout in the home gym I built in the garage.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I have a knack for making my annual leave stretch impossibly far. I’m always on holiday! Recently, I was in Berlin for the Euro24 build-up, which was an incredible experience. I flew back on the Sunday, rushed back to Southampton, and watched the final at St Mary’s stadium. Then, it was straight back into work the next day. Balancing work and travel is an art I seem to have mastered!
Interested in working for CAN? Check out our latest vacancies here: Vacancies – Cyclife Aquila Nuclear | EDF Group
SENIOR MECHANICAL DESIGN ENGINEER VACANCIES – APPLY NOW
Cyclife Aquila Nuclear visits Barton Peveril Sixth Form College
Barton Peveril Sixth Form College hosted an exhilarating Physics Tournament on Tuesday 9th July. The event welcomed over 40 Year 10 students from the following schools: Thornden, Crestwood, Mountbatten, and Wildern. The tournament aimed to inspire and challenge young minds while showcasing the exciting possibilities within the realm of physics.
Teams of students competed against each other in a race to unlock a series of boxes. To achieve this, they had to decipher a range of intricate physics puzzles, testing their knowledge, ingenuity, and teamwork. Throughout the challenge, the participants demonstrated exceptional problem-solving abilities and unwavering determination.
“I was really impressed with the methodical approach that the Year 10 teams took to what was a very challenging set of puzzles. I was particularly encouraged by how the students tackled problems together as a team, rather than panicking and losing concentration. Engineering is all about working in teams with people of different skillsets, backgrounds and methods; so a challenge like this was the perfect opportunity to develop these skills. Based on my experience on Tuesday, the future of STEM in the UK seems very bright!”
Matt Fowler, Senior Mechanical Design Engineer for Cyclife Aquila Nuclear
After an intense competition, an all-girls team from Thornden emerged victorious. The team showed remarkable efficiency, unlocking their box in an astounding time of 34 minutes.
– Press release written and published by Barton Peveril Sixth Form College (Physics Tournament Showcases Future Scientists | Barton Peveril Sixth Form College (barton-peveril.ac.uk))
CAN x Always Another Way
Cyclife Aquila Nuclear has been working alongside Always Another Way in recent years. Always Another Way is a charity set up to improve mental wellbeing in West Cumbria, particularly in Copeland and Allerdale.
Their aim is to provide comprehensive and tailored mental wellbeing support through a range of services including coping strategies, connect groups, alternative therapies, colour coded (LGBTQ+) groups, mental wellbeing courses and personal therapy. All of these services are free and funded by donations and support from the wider community.
As part of our social value commitments, CAN has been supporting Always Another Way with general assistance, marketing advice and donations. Our marketing department has been working closely with the charity to support them with their social media and website presence, enhancing their profile and ensuring their messages are communicated clearly and consistently. In this way, we are helping them to raise awareness of the services they offer. It is truly wonderful to see the amount of work they do to help others in need, we are very fortunate to get to work with them.
Lyn Cavaghan, Executive Officer shares her thoughts on the partnership, she says:
“We have had the pleasure of partnering with Cyclife Aquila Nuclear, who have significantly supported our organisation in various ways. They have provided invaluable assistance and guidance with bid preparation and grant writing, attended our AGM and Vision Day for our team, which helped define our new mission, continued social media support, and made a very generous donation. Their contributions have been instrumental in advancing our work and impact locally. We are deeply grateful for their support and commitment to our cause, which has enabled us to better serve our community and achieve our goals.”
We are excited to continue working with Always Another Way and look forward to seeing what the future holds for them as they continue to grow!
* Always Another Way with the Fri Connect Group visiting the bees!
Rupert Dillow
Introducing Rupert Dillow our Senior Legal Counsel! We asked Rupert a few questions to get to know more about his role at CAN and what he does outside of work.
What is your role at CAN and what do you enjoy most about it?
I am the Senior Legal Counsel here at Cyclife Aquila Nuclear. I deal with everything legal for the business. Contracts with our customers and supply chain are a particular focus in my role. I really enjoy working collaboratively with others to get these contracts right for the benefit of everyone involved.
How long have you worked at CAN for?
I have worked here for three years.
What advice would you give someone joining the business?
Cyclife Aquila Nuclear’s key values are to be elite and ethical in everything we do. You need to adopt this mindset and approach early on to succeed. Everyone here is super friendly and will give you their time, including senior management. This culture empowers each of us at Cyclife Aquila Nuclear to flourish, grow and innovate.
What do you do at the weekends?
To relax, there is nothing I enjoy more at the weekends than sitting down and reading a nice set of terms and conditions.
Do you have any hidden talents?
Most of my talents revolve around my phenomenal legal skills but I can also do a triple back flip* (terms and conditions apply).
Interested in working for CAN? Check out our latest vacancies here: Vacancies – Cyclife Aquila Nuclear | EDF Group
Gary Butler
Introducing Gary Butler our Technical Manager! We asked Gary a few questions to get to know more about his role at CAN and what he does outside of work.
What is your role at CAN and what do you enjoy the most about it?
It has evolved significantly over the years that I have been with Aquila. Initially I was one of three engineers in a start up business, wore a lot of hats and got involved in every element of engineering project delivery. I spent years leading the delivery of numerous engineering Projects and helping to shape the way that happened, developing our engineering process along the way.
As the business expanded, my role has moved towards technical support for the wider engineering team and our whole portfolio of Projects. That doesn’t mean I have all the answers though. A large part of my role is developing and coordinating the TAC (Technical Authority Committee) and other technical disciplines we now have in the business. That involves collating our vast combined knowledge and experience and connecting that with live Projects or our engineering process, establishing or improving best practice. This also extends into preparing the team to support future Projects and commercial directions.
The most enjoyable part of working at Cyclife Aquila has always been, and continues to be, the variety of work we get involved in. As an engineer, I love the challenges we are given, trying to seek out the ‘best’ solution for that Project which balances the various success factors of the job. We do provide bespoke engineering to the nuclear industry, but that can look incredibly different from one Project to the next. Not just in the actual hardware but the clients, applications, contract formats, design phases etc.
How long have you worked at CAN for?
I started at Cyclife Aquila late 2011, just after the company was incorporated. So I’m heading towards 13 years now.
What advice would you give to someone joining the business?
Talk to the people around you, and across the wider department as much as possible. Either in person or on the Teams Engineering Channels. There are lots of us spread across different buildings, but we have so much experience in the department now that somebody has probably been there and done it.
What do you do at the weekends?
I parked up a few cars when my son was born that I haven’t driven since. There is currently an Austin Metro Turbo and Porsche 924S from the 1980’s and a 1950 Feguson tractor constantly drawing attention for some TLC. The reality though for the moment tends to be running around in the Welsh countryside with a 5 year old, establishing a garden/orchard and working on a lovely but old house that we moved into a few years ago.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I seem to be able to move impossibly large, awkward or heavy objects using only myself (occasionally my wife too) and our car. A staircase, three seater sofas, 12 foot dining table, a car trailer (without using a towbar), two upright pianos and a 200kg of stone mantlepiece have all made their way home without a van or trailer. Perhaps this is just another reflection of my love for using engineering to overcome a challenge.
Interested in working for CAN? Check out our latest vacancies here: Vacancies – Cyclife Aquila Nuclear | EDF Group
Cyclife Aquila Nuclear at BNMS Belfast: Pioneering Innovation in Nuclear Medicine, Therapeutics and Diagnostics
Cyclife Aquila Nuclear’s participation at the BNMS (British Nuclear Medicine Society) conference in Belfast underscores a crucial commitment to innovation, research, and development in the realm of life-saving nuclear therapeutics and diagnostics. This presence highlights the company’s pivotal role in ensuring the timely availability and safe handling of nuclear materials crucial for nuclear medical advancements.
Bridging Innovation and Safety in Nuclear Medicine
The BNMS conference serves as a central hub for professionals and organisations dedicated to nuclear medicine. CAN’s engagement at this event is driven by a clear objective: to support and enhance the landscape of medical treatment procedures that rely on nuclear technology.
Advancing Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologies
Nuclear medicine is a critical field that encompasses a range of diagnostic and therapeutic techniques, including PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scans, SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography), and various radiopharmaceuticals used in treating conditions such as cancer. CAN’s expertise in managing and innovating within the nuclear sector positions them as a key player in the development of these life-saving technologies.
Ensuring Safe and Secure Research Environments
A core aspect of CAN’s mission is to provide safe and secure facilities for the research and development of nuclear diagnostics and medicines. Handling radioactive materials requires stringent safety protocols and state-of-the-art facilities to prevent contamination and ensure the well-being of researchers and patients. CAN’s facilities are equipped with advanced technology to manage these risks effectively, supporting the continuous innovation of diagnostic and therapeutic methods.
Supporting the UK’s Nuclear Medicine Infrastructure
CAN’s commitment extends beyond individual research projects to support the broader infrastructure necessary for the UK’s nuclear medicine sector. Their involvement at BNMS Belfast highlights several key initiatives:
- Collaboration with Research Institutions: By partnering with leading research institutions, CAN helps drive forward groundbreaking studies and the development of new therapeutic and diagnostic radioisotopes particularly in the growing field of targeted alpha therapies.
- Regulatory Compliance and Safety Standards: Ensuring that all operations comply with the highest safety standards and regulatory requirements is a cornerstone of CAN’s approach, fostering trust and reliability within the industry.
- Innovative Handling Apparatus: Developing and providing advanced handling apparatus ensures that radioactive materials are managed with utmost precision, minimising risk, and enhancing the efficacy of research outcomes.
A Commitment to a Secure and Innovative Future
The BNMS conference in Belfast is more than just an event; it’s a testament to the ongoing efforts and dedication of professionals like those at CAN who are committed to pioneering advancements in nuclear medicine. Their work ensures that the UK remains at the forefront of medical research and development, continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible in diagnostics and treatment.
By attending BNMS, CAN showcased their capabilities and reaffirmed their dedication to supporting a secure, innovative, and efficient supply chain for nuclear materials critical to the health and well-being of countless individuals. Their role in this ecosystem is indispensable, ensuring that life-saving diagnostics and medicines are developed in safe, controlled, and cutting-edge environments.
CAN’s presence at BNMS Belfast is a powerful statement of our commitment to the future of nuclear medicine. Through their expertise in safe facility management, secure transportation, and unwavering support for innovation, they are helping to shape a healthier, more advanced future for the UK and beyond.
Mental Health Awareness Week 2024
Last week Cyclife Aquila Nuclear participated in Mental Health Awareness Week. It was an excellent opportunity to learn about the different types of mental health issues and break the stigma surrounding the topic. Every year, 1 in 4 people experience a mental health problem in England so it is important that we gain as much knowledge as possible on this topic.
CAN is dedicated to ensuring that all employees know what help, support, and resources they can get whilst at the workplace. We have two first aid trainers who have been trained and equipped with the skills to assist anyone facing a mental health challenge. As well as this, we have an internal toolkit for line managers and training for all employees on the different types of mental health issues and what to do if they notice that a colleague is struggling. By doing this, we ensure that all of our employees know how to access our resources.
As this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week theme is movement, we encourage you to incorporate this into your daily routine, even if it is taking a walk during your lunch break, going for a run, attending a sports class, or anything else. Simply moving your body will help to get those endorphins flowing. Endorphins can help improve your mood, reduce anxiety, and help you manage stress more effectively. Some other activities you could do to help improve your mental health include talking to your family and friends about how you’re feeling, eating healthy foods, practicing self-care and mindfulness, and ensuring you sleep for at least 8 hours.
To raise awareness and show support, the CAN team participated in Mental Health Foundation’s ‘Wear It Green Day’ in support of mental health – it was a great opportunity to have open conversations about how CAN can support our employees, beyond access to our mental health first aiders. What a turn out we had! It was great to see so many of our colleagues dress for the occasion including employees from the finance, admin, HR, commercial, engineering and project management teams.
Overall, this week has been extremely insightful, and we will continue to show our support for mental health throughout the year and ensure we are continually raising awareness and supporting those who need it.