The competition to deliver fusion energy – almost endless clean power supplies – is accelerating, with the UK taking a strategic move to lead the fare.
The UK Atomic Energy Agency (UKAEA) has announced an International Fellowship Scheme, a new initiative that brings together global scientific talent to solve some of the toughest challenges of fusion energy.
By partnering with world-leading institutions and supporting postdoctoral researchers through joint fellowships, UKAEA is creating a pipeline of international expertise that shapes the future of fusion energy and ensures that the UK remains at the forefront of this critical field.
This initiative is part of a broader vision for building a global community of innovators who can supply not only machines but also fusion energy to the grid, turning long-standing scientific dreams into practical climate solutions.
Why is fusion energy important?
Fusion energy is the process that moves the sun. This involves fusing light atomic nuclei such as hydrogen into heavy elements such as helium, and releasing enormous amounts of energy in the process.
Unlike traditional fission, fusion does not produce long-life radioactive waste, is low in risk of accidents, and uses rich fuel sources such as hydrogen isotopes.
For decades, fusion has been considered the ultimate clean energy solution. It can generate enormous amounts of low carbon electricity without the disadvantages of fossil fuels and fission-based nuclear energy environments.
However, replicating the conditions of stars on Earth requires sophisticated technology, global collaboration and highly skilled labor.
That’s where UKAEA’s new international fellowship scheme comes into play.
Build a Future Workforce
International Fellowships Scheme is a flagship initiative under UKAEA’s integration opportunities in the Skills, Training, Education and Research (FOSTER) programme.
Foster is part of a broader Fusion Futures program designed to create a globally relevant ecosystem of fusion researchers, engineers and innovators.
Through this scheme, postdoctoral researchers are recruited in complementary international pairs.
One fellow is based in the UK and is supported by Ukaea, while the other works abroad and is funded by the host institution.
Each fellowship lasts for two years and includes a minimum of 12 weeks of exchange between partner institutions, where fellows gain cross-cultural experience, strengthen scientific relationships and collaborative research.
NTU Singapore: First International Partner
The first partner in the scheme is Nanyang Technology University (NTU) in Singapore, ranked among the top 15 universities in the world. NTU is expanding during the pilot phase of the program and has already begun recruiting its first international fellows.
Nick Walkden, head of operation and delivery of Fusion Skills at UKAEA, stressed the importance of partnerships. “As a sector, we recognize the need to develop the next generation of research leaders for Fusion and have launched an international fellowship program for postdoc candidates to do this.
“We are excited that the first of these exciting opportunities is to collaborate with NTU, who shares our passion and drive. We look forward to seeing each fellow take on the exchange program over the next few years.”
With our shared commitment to Fusion Innovation, the collaboration between UKAEA and NTU is a key step in building a global research network. The first complete cohort of international fellows is expected to begin in fall 2025.
Professor Simon Redfern, dean of the University of Science at NTU Singapore, added:
“In recent years, our scientists have enjoyed many useful collaborations with international partners with pioneers of innovative approaches in fusion science and decarburization. Foster marks an important next step.
This new partnership with UKAEA will further strengthen cross-border research, strengthen institutional capacity and accelerate shared ambitions to achieve clean, sustainable energy through fusion. ”
Promoting a future of fusion
Integrated energy development requires not only sophisticated infrastructure and investment, but also international collaboration and a diverse scientific perspective.
UKAEA’s international fellowship scheme is more than a research opportunity. This is a strategic initiative to grow a new generation of globally connected fusion experts.
As the world runs towards a clean energy future, international fellowships like this are essential to transforming fusion from ambitious theories to practical, grid-compatible reality.
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