Addressing nuclear fission challenges for a prosperous future (Grant)

This funding opportunity supports academic research addressing UK nuclear fission priorities through large multidisciplinary consortia adopting a whole-systems approach. The program aims to integrate reactor design, fuel cycles, decommissioning, waste management, materials science, modelling, and socio-economic impacts to inform policy and drive innovation. Research should address three priority topic areas: fuel cycle development, generation IV reactor technologies and materials research, and advanced decommissioning technologies. Projects must demonstrate the ability to span all three priority areas but can have a primary focus on one. This strategic investment directly supports the UK government's Clean Energy Superpower mission and the target of 24GW nuclear capacity by 2050. The program encourages proposals that consider the entire nuclear fission lifecycle from design through decommissioning and disposal, with emphasis on next-generation materials, advanced modular reactors, optimised fuel cycles, and novel waste treatment technologies.