Industry PhD Support Scheme 2026
We are helping industry and academia shape the future of fusion.
Funding PhD research in fusion energy
UKAEA is helping industry and academia shape the future of fusion energy through its Fusion Futures FOSTER (Fusion Opportunities in Skills, Training, Education and Research) programme.
The Industry PhD Support Scheme provides targeted funding for PhD projects that will deliver fresh talent and drive innovation in the UK fusion energy sector.
This initiative supports new PhD opportunities beginning between September and December 2026 and offers a pathway for students, universities, and industry to work together to solve some of the most pressing challenges in fusion.
Funding available
There are two tiers of support available:
- £65,000 awards (x2) – exclusively for small businesses (fewer than 50 full-time employees)
- £40,000 awards – open to all eligible applicants
We can consider existing PhD projects that are facing existential financial difficulties if there is clear evidence of need and strong benefit to the sector.
What we’re looking for
Proposals must:
- be hosted by a UK university
- have an industry partner committed to advancing fusion
- address a topic with benefit to the wider UK fusion sector
- include a university support letter
- provide opportunities for new, additional PhD talent that would not exist without this funding
We will assess applications against:
- research quality
- impact
- team
- management
- risks
- equality, diversity and inclusion
Applications are now closed.
FOSTER: Fusion Opportunities in Skills, Training, Education and Research
Building a fusion skills ecosystem that can train, develop, and grow the fusion generation.