Our mission is to lead the delivery of sustainable fusion energy and maximise the scientific and economic benefit.
The UK Atomic Energy Authority leads the world in fusion research with a wide range of programmes covering plasma science, robotics, materials testing and development, and tritium science. Our scientists and engineers are working with partners around the globe to develop fusion as a new source of clean energy for tomorrow’s power stations.
Our strategic goals
SOLVING PROBLEMS
Solve challenges of sustainable fusion energy – from design through to decommissioning – with world-leading science and engineering.
PRODUCT
Enable partners to design, deliver, and operate commercial fusion power plants.
PROSPERITY
Drive UK economic growth and a thriving industry that exports fusion technology around the world.
PLACE
Create clusters that accelerate innovation in fusion and related technologies.
PEOPLE
Develop the talented, diverse people needed to deliver fusion energy
What we do
BUILD THE KNOWLEDGE BASE OF FUSION
- Operate fusion research facilities and sustain technical centres of excellence for use by fusion power plant programmes in the UK and internationally
- Solve challenges across the full lifecycle of fusion, from design to operations to decommissioning, and integrate solutions across disciplines
DELIVER FUSION POWER PLANTS, SYSTEMS AND TECHNOLOGIES
- Work with industrial partners in a national programme to deliver the STEP prototype fusion power plant
- Use our skills, facilities, and expertise to work with industry in developing fusion power plant systems and technologies
ENABLE THE FUSION COMMUNITY
- Provide thought-leadership on the opportunities and requirements for fusion power
- Create fusion innovation clusters
- Grow a fusion industry
- Produce skilled people
- Inform fusion regulatory and insurance practices
- Identify growth opportunities for fusion technology
History
The UK Atomic Energy Authority created Culham Laboratory as a purpose-built home for Britain’s fusion research programme. Officially opened in 1965, it was constructed on the site of a former airfield, Royal Naval Air Station Culham.
Work for UKAEA
We’re not just developing low-carbon energy. We’re creating a world-class inclusive work place. Our benefits are built to bring out your best — giving you what you need to bring about the future.
At UKAEA, we value you as an individual. There are many benefits to joining us as we offer opportunities to further your professional and personal development, as well as having an exciting and rewarding career.
If you’re passionate about sustainable energy and finding solutions to climate change, become a part of our team developing fusion today.
Diversity at UKAEA
UKAEA embraces diversity and has adopted the Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion (enei) Talent, Inclusion, Diversity Evaluation (TIDE) benchmark
View fusion research in action at Culham Campus
UKAEA’s open events offer you a unique opportunity to see some of the amazing work we are doing to develop safe, low carbon and sustainable fusion energy for the world’s future energy supply. Culham Campus is the headquarters of our fusion energy programme, located in south Oxfordshire only a few miles from Oxford and around 50 miles west of London.
