Through its ambitious new programme, Fusion Futures – specifically the Fusion Opportunities in Skills, Training, Education, and Research (FOSTER) sub-programme – the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) reaffirms its commitment to collaborating with universities, businesses, and other partners. This partnership aims to expand educational opportunities across the UK’s fusion skills ecosystem, supporting apprenticeships, graduate and postgraduate studies, doctoral and post-doctoral research positions.
FOSTER is part of Fusion Futures, a programme that aims to foster world-leading innovation whilst stimulating general industry capacity through international collaboration and the development of future fusion powerplants.
In support of Fusion Futures, the Industry Support Scheme Awards, now in its second year, aims to support an increase in fusion-related PhD research across the UK fusion sector. The Awards will contribute a fixed sum towards the cost of a PhD in fusion research and development that commences by 31 December 2025. UKAEA recommends that companies supporting applications should also be, or apply to become, a member of The Fusion Cluster, a community powered by knowledge, passion and expertise to accelerate the commercialisation of fusion energy.
The PhD project must be undertaken at a UK university. Applications that are placed within a suitable Centre for Doctoral Training are encouraged. Furthermore, the university needs to provide a letter of support affirming that they are committed to the project and attesting to the project’s suitability for a PhD candidate.
Proposals will be subject to panel review where they will be scored against the following criteria:
- Research Quality
- Impact
- Team
- Management
- Risks
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The closing date for applications is 1 November, 2024, with the announcement of results in the week of 18 November.
UKAEA is also hosting a PhD open day at Culham Campus, Oxfordshire, on 27 November 2024, where prospective PhD students will be in attendance to learn more about PhD opportunities within fusion. Companies and universities are invited to attend this day to engage with prospective candidates. To register for this event, visit https://culhamphd.uk
Click here to see the full information about the Industry Support Scheme.
To request an application form, further guidance, or for any queries, please email fusionskills@ukaea.uk
Photo caption: PhDs at UKAEA encompass a wide range of disciplines. Students here are being taken on a tour of UKAEA fusion facilities at UKAEA’s Culham Campus.
