FOSTER for Academia

We want to increase the quality and quantity of the talent available to the UK fusion energy sector, creating new pathways for learners and targeted outreach to groups not well represented in the sector. 

A barrier to fusion skills growth includes insufficient training at Masters and PhD levels which limits the availability of fusion-specific, highly specialist skills.

FOSTER is committed to partnerships with universities to support the development of Masters level courses and PhD studies and work with institutions to reduce any financial barriers. Embracing individuals from varied backgrounds and perspectives cultivates a culture of inclusivity and creativity, where new ideas and innovations can thrive.

Bursaries

Under the FOSTER Programme, UKAEA has made bursaries available to four universities offering Masters level courses with fusion-specific content. These bursaries contribute towards the students’ living costs and aim to widen participation in fusion courses. FOSTER intends to develop this pilot scheme further to support future students.

You can ask us any questions through our contact form.

Download our definition of a Fusion Masters (PDF, 222KB)

Masters level partnerships

FOSTER is working with universities across the UK to include fusion content into Masters level courses. We’re concentrating on creating new fusion-specific modules. These will provide new training immediately. We’re also helping universities grow their staff, knowledge and skills to build on these courses in the future. Our target is to train at least 400 new students through these partnerships..

FOSTER is working with universities willing to match or exceed the level of investment to create impactful provision for prospective students. The process for identifying large-scale institutes to work with has concluded, but universities interested in growing their teaching of fusion will be able to engage with FOSTER through the Industrial Visiting Academics Scheme.

MSc project opportunities

FOSTER wants to stimulate more industry-supported MSc projects and is keen to hear from organisations in the fusion energy sector that already support MSc projects.

Industry PhD support scheme

Fusion industry organisations can bid for £40,000 awards (or £65,000 for small companies) for sponsorship of PhD students. Applicants must demonstrate that PhDs in the scheme are net additional and beneficial to the wider UK fusion sector.

FOSTER is targeting at least 30 net additional PhDs during the four-year course of the scheme.

International Fellowship scheme

The International Fellowship scheme supports the development of independent research skills, builds international networks and creates technical and academic leaders to train the next generation of fusion talent.

The scheme aims to create two-year research opportunities at post-doctoral level by working with UK and international organisations. Fellows in areas of shared scientific interest are hired in complementary pairs, one employed in the UK and one employed internationally. The exchange to the partner organisation is a minimum of 12 weeks.

Fellows do not need to work on the same research challenge, but should work in a close enough area of interest to work together. Initially, collaborations are between UKAEA and international organisations, with the scheme expanding to include other UK-based universities and fusion companies in 2027.

Summer internships

Since 2021, 83 students have participated in placements in 20 host organisations around the UK. Many students have received offers of employment after their graduation. FOSTER is investing in the Summer Internships scheme to ensure that this important project continues to give undergraduates an invaluable opportunity to gain experience within the growing UK fusion industry.

We offer internships to UK-based undergraduates (those graduating after the September of their placement year) between June and August.

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