The race to deliver fusion energy – a near-limitless, clean power source – is accelerating, and the UK is making a strategic move to lead the charge.
The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) has unveiled the International Fellowships Scheme, a new initiative that brings together global scientific talent to solve some of fusion energy’s toughest challenges.
By partnering with world-leading institutions and supporting post-doctoral researchers through collaborative fellowships, the UKAEA is creating an international pipeline of expertise that will shape the future of fusion energy and ensure the UK remains at the forefront of this vital field.
This initiative is part of a broader vision to build not just machines, but a global community of innovators who can deliver fusion energy to the grid, turning a long-standing scientific dream into a practical climate solution.
Why fusion energy matters
Fusion energy is the process that powers the Sun. It involves fusing light atomic nuclei, such as hydrogen, into heavier elements like helium, releasing immense amounts of energy in the process.
Unlike traditional nuclear fission, fusion produces no long-lived radioactive waste, carries a lower risk of accidents, and uses abundant fuel sources like hydrogen isotopes.
For decades, fusion has been seen as the ultimate clean energy solution. It has the potential to generate vast amounts of low-carbon electricity without the environmental downsides of fossil fuels or fission-based nuclear energy.
However, replicating the conditions of a star on Earth requires advanced technology, global collaboration, and a highly skilled workforce.
That’s where the UKAEA’s new International Fellowships Scheme comes in.
Building the fusion workforce of the future
The International Fellowships Scheme is a flagship initiative under UKAEA’s Fusion Opportunities in Skills, Training, Education and Research (FOSTER) programme.
FOSTER is part of the broader Fusion Futures Programme, designed to create a globally connected ecosystem of fusion researchers, engineers, and innovators.
Through this scheme, post-doctoral researchers will be recruited in complementary international pairs.
One Fellow will be based in the UK and supported by UKAEA, while the other will work abroad and be funded by their host institution.
Each Fellowship lasts two years and includes a minimum of 12 weeks of exchange between the partner institutions, allowing Fellows to gain cross-cultural experience, strengthen scientific ties, and advance joint research.
NTU Singapore: The first international partner
The inaugural partner in the scheme is Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore, ranked among the world’s top 15 universities. NTU is expanding on a pilot phase of the programme and has already begun recruiting its first international Fellow.
Nick Walkden, Head of Fusion Skills Operation and Delivery at UKAEA, emphasised the significance of the partnership: “As a sector, we have recognised the need to develop the next generation of research leaders for fusion and have launched a programme of international fellowships for post-doctoral candidates to do just this.
“I’m excited that the first of these exciting opportunities is in collaboration with NTU, which shares our passion and drive, and I look forward to seeing our respective Fellows undertake their exchange programme in the coming years.”
With a shared commitment to fusion innovation, the collaboration between UKAEA and NTU marks a significant step in building a global research network. The first full cohort of International Fellows is expected to begin in Autumn 2025.
Professor Simon Redfern, Dean of the College of Science, NTU Singapore, added: “We are delighted to partner with the UK Atomic Energy Authority on the FOSTER International Fellowships Programme, which aligns with our commitment to advancing frontier research and nurturing global scientific talent in fusion energy.
“In recent years, our scientists have enjoyed a number of beneficial collaborations with international partners to pioneer innovative approaches in fusion science and decarbonisation. FOSTER marks an important next step.
This new partnership with UKAEA will further strengthen cross-border research, enhance institutional capabilities, and accelerate our shared ambition to realise clean, sustainable energy through fusion.”
Fuelling the future of fusion
Fusion energy development requires not only advanced infrastructure and investment but also international collaboration and diverse scientific perspectives.
The UKAEA’s International Fellowships Scheme is more than a research opportunity – it’s a strategic initiative to grow a new generation of globally connected fusion experts.
As the world races toward a clean energy future, international fellowships like these are essential for turning fusion from an ambitious theory into a practical, grid-ready reality.
