Section one: Contracting authority
one.1) Name and addresses
UK Atomic Energy Authority
Culham Science Centre
Oxfordshire
OX14 3DB
Contact
Jonny Adams
Telephone
+12 35528822
Country
United Kingdom
Region code
UK - United Kingdom
National registration number
N/A
Internet address(es)
Main address
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-atomic-energy-authority
Buyer's address
https://uk.eu-supply.com/ctm/Company/CompanyInformation/Index/72814
one.3) Communication
The procurement documents are available for unrestricted and full direct access, free of charge, at
https://uk.eu-supply.com/app/rfq/rwlentrance_s.asp?PID=97676&B=UKAEA
Additional information can be obtained from the above-mentioned address
one.4) Type of the contracting authority
Body governed by public law
one.5) Main activity
Other activity
Fusion Research
Section two: Object
two.1) Scope of the procurement
two.1.1) Title
FOSTER Programme Industry PhD Support Scheme 2025
Reference number
T/GW99/25
two.1.2) Main CPV code
- 73110000 - Research services
two.1.3) Type of contract
Services
two.1.4) Short description
The Fusion Opportunities in Skills, Training, Education and Research (FOSTER) programme is an ambitious national fusion skills programme delivered by UKAEA on behalf of the UK fusion sector. FOSTER’s mission is to train over 2000 people by 2030, ready to take roles within the fusion industry.
two.1.5) Estimated total value
Value excluding VAT: £480,000
two.1.6) Information about lots
This contract is divided into lots: No
two.2) Description
two.2.2) Additional CPV code(s)
- 73110000 - Research services
two.2.3) Place of performance
NUTS codes
- UK - United Kingdom
Main site or place of performance
Culham Campus
two.2.4) Description of the procurement
The Fusion Opportunities in Skills, Training, Education and Research (FOSTER) programme is an ambitious national fusion skills programme delivered by UKAEA on behalf of the UK fusion sector. FOSTER’s mission is to train over 2000 people by 2030, ready to take roles within the fusion industry. The intention is to work with universities, businesses, and international partners to increase the number of apprentice and graduate, postgraduate and doctoral, and post-doctoral opportunities within the fusion skills ecosystem in the UK. One mechanism being used to support an increase in PhD numbers is through the FOSTER Programme’s Industry PhD Support Scheme Awards. These Awards will contribute a fixed sum towards the cost of a fusion related PhD in a UK university that commences by 31st December 2026. There are two tiers of award values available under this initiative: 2 awards of £65,000 are designated specifically for small businesses (less than 50 full-time employees), while the remaining awards are valued at £40,000 and are open to all eligible applicants. The application form must detail the full cost of the project and show how the remaining balance of funding will be provided. PhD topics should be beneficial to the wider UK fusion sector i.e. not only relevant to one specific fusion device. PhD projects that are already underway, as collaborations between a university and an industry partner, but experiencing existential financial difficulties may also be proposed for consideration.
two.3) Estimated date of publication of contract notice
17 November 2025
Section four. Procedure
four.1) Description
four.1.8) Information about the Government Procurement Agreement (GPA)
The procurement is covered by the Government Procurement Agreement: Yes