Sue Ion facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Dame Sue Ion
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Ion in 2016
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| Born |
Susan Elizabeth Burrows
3 February 1955 |
| Education | Penwortham Girls Grammar School |
| Alma mater | Imperial College London (BSc, PhD) |
| Spouse(s) |
John Albert Ion
(m. 1980) |
| Scientific career | |
| Institutions | Royal Academy of Engineering Nuclear Institute Imperial College London University of Manchester British Nuclear Fuels |
| Thesis | Dynamic recrystallisation in a magnesium alloy |
| Doctoral advisor |
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Dame Susan Elizabeth Ion, born on February 3, 1955, is a famous British engineer. She is an expert who advises on the nuclear power industry. In 2012, she became a member of the National Academy of Engineering because of her important work in developing nuclear fuel.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Sue Ion was born in Cumbria, England, on February 3, 1955. Her father, Lawrence James Burrows, worked for British Rail, and her mother, Doris Burrows, was a secretary.
She went to Penwortham Girls Grammar School near Preston, Lancashire. Sue loved science from a young age. Her parents supported her interest by letting her do chemistry experiments in their kitchen.
At school, she was a leader, serving as Head Girl from 1972 to 1973. She was also the deputy leader of the school orchestra. When she was 16, Sue won a book about atomic energy for her good grades in science. This prize really sparked her interest in the topic. She remembers that her school encouraged girls to study science.
After high school, Sue studied Materials Science at Imperial College London. She earned a top degree in 1976. Later, in 1979, she completed her PhD in Metallurgy and Materials Science.
While finishing her PhD, she also taught at a school in London. She used supplies from her college labs to make science exciting for her students.
Career and Research
In 1979, Sue Ion started her career at British Nuclear Fuels (BNFL). At that time, she was one of only two women in the chemical engineering department.
She was promoted in 1992 to Executive Director of Technology. She held this important role until 2006.
During her time at BNFL, nuclear energy was seen as a very important energy source for Britain. It was a time of exciting research and development in the nuclear field. Sue Ion has always believed in the importance of nuclear power.
As the technical director, Sue Ion was part of Tony Blair's Council for Science and Technology. She is known for helping to convince the government to support nuclear power. She also advised Gordon Brown on long-term energy plans.
In 2004, Sue Ion was invited to Buckingham Palace. She was one of 180 women honored for their contributions to science and technology.
She became a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 1996. She also served as a vice-president there from 2002 to 2008. In 2006, she became a visiting professor at Imperial College.
Nuclear Power and Renewable Energy
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Sue Ion has spent over 30 years studying energy supplies. Early in her career, she helped explain nuclear reactors to government officials. She also worked to address worries about nuclear power after accidents like Three Mile Island and Chernobyl.
"People worry about nuclear waste, but modern power stations create much less than in the past. I'd certainly have no hesitation living next door to one."
She supports building smaller, easier-to-move nuclear reactors. These "modular" reactors would be more affordable. They would likely be built at existing nuclear sites.
Sue Ion believes her biggest challenge is convincing politicians that nuclear energy is truly needed. She thinks that renewable energy (like wind power), coal, and nuclear power are all important for Britain's future energy.
Encouraging Science Education
Sue Ion is a strong supporter of encouraging more women to join the field of engineering. She worries that some schools still see engineering as a subject only for boys.
She believes that schools need to offer the right science courses early on. This helps students be ready for university studies in science and engineering.
"I get into terrible trouble when I visit schools to talk to students – especially girls – as I tell them not to dump the sciences because they are difficult. So many choose the softer, creative subjects but I tell them they can still do those subjects later on – what you can't do is go back and study the sciences. They all look glum after I give those talks but they've got to be told."
Sue Ion supports programs that help all students, no matter their gender, explore science. This is important because many engineers are retiring, and new talent is needed. She warns that there aren't enough students studying engineering to meet future needs in the energy industry.
"Grab every chance you've got to watch and learn from others. Take control of your career and ask for the development moves and the experiences that you feel will get you ahead."
Personal Life
Sue Ion married John Albert Ion in 1980. They live in Leyland, Lancashire.
Honours and Awards
Sue Ion has received many important honours for her work. She was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2002. In 2010, she became a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE). Most recently, in 2022, she was made a Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (GBE) for her services to engineering. She even represented the Order at the 2023 Coronation of King Charles III.
Academic Roles
Sue Ion has held several important roles at universities:
- Since 2006, she has been a Visiting Professor at Imperial College London.
- Since 2004, she has been a Governor at the University of Manchester.
- She is also an Honorary Fellow and Honorary Professor at the University of Central Lancashire.
- Since 2011, she has been a Visiting Professor at London South Bank University.
Honorary Degrees
She has also received special degrees from universities:
- In 2011, she received a Doctor of Science (D.Sc) from Lancaster University.
- In 2017, she received a Doctor of Science (D.Sc) from Edge Hill University.
- In November 2017, she received a Doctor of Engineering (D.Eng) from the University of Chester.
Memberships and Fellowships
Sue Ion is a member of many important groups:
- Since 1996, she has been a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering.
- Since 2012, she has been an International Member of the National Academy of Engineering in the USA.
- Since 2016, she has been a Fellow of the Royal Society.
- She is an Honorary Fellow of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
- She is an Honorary Fellow of the Institute of Physics.
- She is also a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.
Awards
- In 2014, she received the President's Medal from the Royal Academy of Engineering.
