EURATOM Research and Training Program 2021-2025

The European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) was established by the EURATOM Treaty in 1957 (consolidated version of 2016) with the aim of coordinating Member States' research programs for the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The EURATOM Treaty currently contributes to the sharing of knowledge, infrastructure, and funding for nuclear energy, ensuring the security of atomic energy supply within a centralized monitoring system. Although it is a legal entity separate from the European Union, it is governed by its institutions (Commission, Council, under the jurisdiction of the Court of Justice of the European Union).

EURATOM Research and Training Program 2021-2025

Under Article 4 of the EURATOM Treaty, promoting research into the civilian use of nuclear energy is an important function of the European Commission. The EURATOM Research and Training Program has been established for the period 2021-2025, with a budget of €1.38 billion. This five-year program (a term set by Article 7 of the EURATOM Treaty) will subsequently be extended by two years (until 2027) to align it with the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and the related EU Research and Innovation Framework Program (Horizon Europe).

The EURATOM Research and Training Program 2021-2025, covering the field of nuclear research and training, complements the Horizon Europe Program, using the same instruments and rules for participation. It focuses on fusion, nuclear safety, radiation protection, radioactive waste management, and decommissioning.

The program has direct actions (undertaken by the European Commission's Joint Research Center (JRC ) under a separate work program) and indirect actions for research on fission and fusion (undertaken by consortia of multiple partners).

Research on fission focuses on safety, spent fuel and radioactive waste management, decommissioning, radiation protection, education, and training. The new program places greater emphasis on non-energy applications of nuclear technology. In this regard, the field of medicine stands out, with synergies established between the EURATOM Program and the European Plan to Combat Cancer (cf. ionizing radiation used for diagnosis and therapy). Other areas of application may include agriculture, the environment, and space.

Fusion research focuses on implementing the European Research Roadmap for the realization of Fusion Energy, which represents a long-term option for the use of low-carbon technologies for large-scale electricity production. It could thus help meet the growing demand for decarbonization of the energy production system by the end of this century. Before the development of fusion power plants, fusion research will enable Europe to create high-tech innovations and, with them, a more competitive high-tech industry.

Partnerships under the EURATOM Research and Training Program 2021-2025

Much of the EURATOM Program is implemented through four European Partnerships:

• European Co-funded Partnership for Research in Radiation Protection (PIANOFORTE), under the EURATOM Work Program for 2021-2022. This Partnership is based on the research priorities identified in the roadmap developed by the European Joint Program for the Integration of Research on Radiation Protection, CONCERT.
• European Co-funded Partnership for Fusion Research (EUROfusion), under the EURATOM Work Program for 2021-2022. This Partnership, undertaken by the European Consortium for Fusion Energy Development, EUROfusion, will implement the European fusion research roadmap over the years 2021-2025.
• European Co-funded Partnership for Radioactive Waste Management (EURAD-2), under the EURATOM Work Program for 2023-2025. This Partnership will build on the European Joint Program for Radioactive Waste Management, EURAD.
• European Co-funded Partnership for Research in Nuclear Materials, under the EURATOM Work Program for 2023-2025. This Partnership will build on the results of the Coordination and Support Action "Organization of the European Research Community in Nuclear Materials," ORIENT-NM.

Calls EURATOM Work Program 2023-2025

• Call proposals Horizon-EURATOM-2023-NRT-01
  • Opening date: April 4, 2023
  • Closing date: November 8, 2023
  • Proposals may be submitted on 11 topics, accessible here.

• Call the SOFT Innovation Prize 2024 (EURATOM-2024-SOFT-Prize)
  • Opening date: September 26, 2023
  • Closing date: January 16, 2024
  • The SOFT Innovation Prize 2024 highlights and rewards excellence in innovation in fusion research, as well as the quality of the researchers and industries involved.
  • More information available here.

EURATOM/IAEA survey (List of contacts)

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The FCT, as one of the founding partners of PERIN (Portugal in Europe Research and Innovation Network), and through its Delegates and National Contact Points, ensures national representation and coordination of the promotion of research and innovation activities related to the EURATOM Research and Training Program for 2021-2025.