Scope
Reference
T/GW99/25
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. 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.
Total value (estimated)
- £480,001 including VAT
Above the relevant threshold
Contract dates (estimated)
- 18 November 2025 to 17 November 2027
- 2 years
Main procurement category
Services
CPV classifications
- 73110000 - Research services
Contract locations
- UK - United Kingdom
Engagement
Engagement deadline
28 October 2025
Engagement process description
Submission
Publication date of tender notice (estimated)
28 October 2025
Contracting authority
UK Atomic Energy Authority
- Public Procurement Organisation Number: PLJV-1169-JTDD
Culham Science Centre
Oxfordshire
OX14 3DB
United Kingdom
Contact name: Jonny Adams
Telephone: +12 35528822
Email: jonny.adams@ukaea.uk
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-atomic-energy-authority
Region: UKJ14 - Oxfordshire
Organisation type: Public authority - sub-central government