Sarah Lawrie’s career path in the nuclear sector is a fascinating story of unexpected opportunity and a deep passion for safety. Today, as a Senior Human Factors Specialist, Sarah plays a crucial role in the safety and efficiency of the nuclear sector, with over 25 years of experience under her belt. But her journey to this point wasn’t a straightforward one—she never initially planned a career in nuclear or human factors. Her story illustrates how curiosity, a background in psychology, and a keen interest in safety led her to a fulfilling and ever-evolving career in one of the most complex and high-stakes industries.

When Sarah was a student studying psychology, she didn’t foresee herself in the nuclear sector. "I didn’t even know human factors was a career option," she recalls. "Many of my peers were heading towards clinical psychology, but I wasn’t drawn to that path." What Sarah was passionate about, however, was safety—something that had been shaped by her childhood. Her father, a home office pathologist, was involved in investigating major safety incidents during the late 1980s and early 1990s, such as the Piper Alpha disaster and the Kegworth Air disaster. "I watched the TV coverage and documentaries with interest, and I noticed how human error was often blamed. I was curious to understand more."

Serendipity struck when she stumbled upon a job advertisement for a human factors role in the nuclear sector. "It seemed to combine my psychology background with my interest in safety," she explains. That was the start of her journey into a field that would become both a professional passion and a lifetime of learning.

Despite not knowing much about nuclear hazards or safety management at the time, Sarah was eager to learn. "I didn’t know what to expect when I first joined the sector. It was all new to me," she admits. "But I’ve never stopped learning, and that’s what I find most stimulating about this field."

Sarah began her career as a junior human factors assessor in the late 1990s, focusing on understanding plant operations and optimising the conditions in which humans work to ensure safety. This was just the start of a journey that would see her tackle a broad range of challenges within the nuclear sector.

"As my career progressed, I had the chance to expand my role and expertise. I started working on safety culture alongside plant-based activities. This allowed me to travel internationally and engage with a wide range of safety issues," Sarah shares. "But the core of my work has always been grounded in understanding how plants operate and how we can ensure safety in an ever-changing environment."

Today, Sarah’s role has evolved to include working on some of the most pressing challenges in the nuclear sector—particularly in how to incorporate new technologies such as AI, digitalisation, automation, and robotics into nuclear operations. "Technological innovation is advancing rapidly, and the nuclear sector needs to ensure that these technologies are implemented safely. The future of the sector will depend on our ability to integrate these technologies while maintaining the highest safety standards."

Despite the challenges, Sarah finds her work incredibly rewarding. "Mid-career, colleagues began seeking my expert opinion. At first, I was surprised, as I didn’t see myself as an ‘expert,’ but it was a sign of how much I had learned over the years," she reflects. Today, Sarah’s expertise extends beyond national roles—she is now involved in international research projects aimed at advancing human factors and safety in nuclear operations. "The more I learn, the more I realize I still have much to learn," she admits with a smile.

Looking back on her career, Sarah has advice for anyone considering a career in nuclear: "If you want a career that challenges you every day, where you are constantly solving new problems or tackling new situations, I would urge you to consider the nuclear sector. It’s a field that never stops evolving, and you’ll never stop learning."

Sarah is particularly passionate about encouraging psychology graduates to explore careers in human factors, as she believes the field offers a unique and rewarding opportunity to apply psychological principles to high-stakes environments like nuclear operations. "Human factors as a career choice for psychology graduates is not well understood," she notes. "If we could get more psychology graduates to consider it, we would increase the pipeline of talented individuals entering the sector."

For Sarah, her career in the nuclear sector is not just a job—it’s a lifelong journey of learning, growth, and contribution to a sector that plays a vital role in energy security and safety. "I’ve had the chance to shape safety culture, support technological advancements, and influence national and international policy. It’s been incredibly rewarding," she reflects.

As she continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape of nuclear operations, Sarah is excited about what the future holds. "The nuclear sector is evolving fast, and I’m excited to see how the next generation of professionals will contribute to its transformation. I’m proud to be part of a sector that’s playing a major role in the future of energy and safety," she concludes.

Sarah’s career in the nuclear sector exemplifies the power of curiosity, continuous learning, and the application of psychological principles to complex safety challenges. From her early days as a junior human factors assessor to her current role in international research, Sarah’s story shows that the nuclear sector offers a dynamic and fulfilling career for those willing to learn and adapt. As the sector continues to evolve, it’s clear that Sarah’s work will continue to be at the forefront of ensuring safety and innovation in nuclear operations for years to come.