- UKAEA to fund UK-based post-doctoral Fellows in fusion research
- First collaboration established with Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University
- Partnership marks a major step forward in advancing global collaboration in fusion research and talent development
The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) has launched the International Fellowships Scheme, an initiative to help expand the global talent pool supporting the fusion industry.
The Scheme is part of the UKAEA’s Fusion Opportunities in Skills, Training, Education and Research (FOSTER) Programme, which aims to train, support, and empower the next generation of professionals, who will help deliver fusion power to the grid.
The first International Fellowships Scheme partner is Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU), which is ranked among the world’s top 15 universities by the QS World University Rankings.
The scheme is designed to create high-impact post-doctoral research opportunities through collaborations between UK-based and international institutions. Under this initiative, Fellows will be recruited in complementary pairs, with one Fellow employed and primarily based in the UK, and the other employed and primarily based overseas. Working together in areas of shared interest to help build scientific knowledge across borders and solve key fusion challenges.
NTU is building on the pilot phase of the scheme and has begun recruiting its first Fellows.
Nick Walkden, Head of Fusion Skills Operation and Delivery at UKAEA, said
As a sector, we have recognised the need to develop the next generation of research leaders for fusion and have launched a programme of international fellowships for post-doctoral candidates to do just this. I’m excited that the first of these exciting opportunities is in collaboration with NTU, which shares our passion and drive, and I look forward to seeing our respective Fellows undertake their exchange programme in coming years.
Professor Simon Redfern, Dean of the College of Science, NTU Singapore said
We are delighted to partner with the UK Atomic Energy Authority on the FOSTER International Fellowships Programme, which aligns with our commitment to advancing frontier research and nurturing global scientific talent in fusion energy. In recent years, our scientists have enjoyed a number of beneficial collaborations with international partners to pioneer innovative approaches in fusion science and decarbonisation. FOSTER marks an important next step.
This new partnership with UKAEA will further strengthen cross-border research, enhance institutional capabilities, and accelerate our shared ambition to realise clean, sustainable energy through fusion. It also builds on longstanding ties between NTU researchers and their counterparts in the UK, and ensures that this spirit of collaboration continues to grow across future generations of scientists.
Each fellowship will run for two years and include a minimum of 12 weeks of exchange between host institutions, enabling cross-cultural research experience and skill development. UKAEA will support the UK-based Fellow while the international partner institution will support the internationally employed Fellow.
Part of the Fusion Futures Programme, FOSTER supports 32 projects with a vision to build a fusion skills ecosystem – with international reach – that can train, develop, and grow the fusion generation who will deliver fusion energy to the grid.
FOSTER works with likeminded organisations committed to advancing the landscape of fusion science and technology through post-doctoral research opportunities.
The first cohort of the International Fellowships Scheme with NTU is expected to start in Autumn 2025.
More information about FOSTER and UKAEA’s International Fellowships Scheme can be found online.
International organisations interested in pursuing a fellowship, either with UKAEA or another UK-based organisation, or if you have any further questions, please email [email protected]
