Charter for the UK Pulsed Power Network

A Not‑for‑Profit Society

1. Name

The organisation shall be known as the UK Pulsed Power Network

2. Legal Status

UK Pulsed Power Network shall operate as a not‑for‑profit, member‑based society established for benefit of UK science and industry. All surplus funds shall be reinvested to advance the Society’s aims.

3. Aim

The mission of network is to advance the science, engineering, education, and safe use of pulsed power technologies across the UK, fostering collaborations between academia, industry, government, and the wider technical community.

4. Objectives

The Society’s objectives are to:

  1. Promote the adoption of pulsed power science and engineering techniques in appropriate fields, acting as a contact point for advice both for members of the network and new potential users of pulsed power.

  2. Encourage education and skills development in pulsed power engineering, high‑voltage systems and related fields; working with UK government, universities and industry to establish new training schemes as appropriate and helping provide mentoring and networking opportunities.

  3. Facilitate new collaborations between universities, research institutions, industry partners, and government bodies.

  4. Organise conferences, workshops, technical meetings, and outreach events to share knowledge and best practice. To encourage the open publication of research and guidance in the area.

  5. To promote UK leadership in pulsed power research, innovation, and industrial capability.

5. Membership

  • Membership is open to individuals, organisations, and institutions with an interest in pulsed power.

  • Membership is free.

  • Members may vote at general meetings and stand for election to the Board.

6. Governance

  • The network shall be governed by a Board, which is responsible for strategic direction, financial oversight, and ensuring compliance with UK law.

  • The Board initially consists of 5 members:

Chairman - Matthew Woodyard (AWE Nuclear Security Technologies)                  

Secretary - Simon Bland (Imperial College London)                               

Treasurer - Felipe Iza (Loughborough University)                                    

Industry Liaison - Phil Surman (ESC – the Equipment Supply Company)                                 

Social / Events - Paul Holligan (First Light Fusion)

Additional technical experts may be asked to join the board as required.                                

  • Board members shall serve a fixed term, with the initial term expected to be 5 years as the network is established, and 3 years thereafter.

7. Meetings

  • At least four board meetings shall be held each year to review progress. These may be via teams or in person.

  • An all members, annual general meeting will be held once per year – typically attached to a workshop or conference for simplicity.

  • The board is responsible for organising the UK Pulsed Power Symposia to be held at least once every 2 years.

  • Further technical meetings and workshops  may be held throughout the year as required.

8. Finance

  • Income may be generated through industrial sponsorship, grants, events and donations.

  • All funds must be used exclusively to further the Society’s objectives.

  • Accounts are open for the scrutiny of any member.

9. Transparency and Ethics

  • The network commits to open governance, publishing minutes, financial reports, and updates.

  • Conflicts of interest must be declared and managed.

10. Amendments

This charter may be amended by a two‑thirds majority vote of members present at a general meeting, provided that notice of the proposed amendment has been given.

11. Dissolution

If the Society is dissolved, all remaining assets shall be transferred to another UK non‑profit organisation with similar scientific or educational aims. No assets shall be distributed to members.