EURATOM Research and Training Program 2021-2025

The European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM) was established by the EURATOM Treaty in 1957(consolidated version 2016), with the purpose of coordinating the research programs of the Member States with a view to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The EURATOM Treaty currently contributes to the sharing of knowledge, infrastructure and financing of nuclear energy, guaranteeing the security of atomic energy supply within the framework of a centralized monitoring system. Although it is a separate legal entity 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 euros. This five-year program (a deadline 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 Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (Horizon Europe).

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

The program has direct actions (undertaken by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre - JRC - under a separate work program) and indirect research actions on fission and fusion (undertaken by multi-partner consortia).

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

Fusion research focuses on the implementation of 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. Prior to 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-financed Partnership for Radiological Protection Research (PIANOFORTE)under the EURATOM Work Program for 2021-2022. This Partnership is based on the research priorities identified in the roadmap drawn up by the Joint European Program for the Integration of Radiological Protection Research, CONCERT.
• European Co-funded Partnership for Fusion Research (EUROfusion)under the EURATOM Work Program for 2021-2022. This Partnership undertaken by the European Fusion Energy Development Consortium, EUROfusion, will implement the European fusion research roadmap over the years 2021-2025.
• European Co-financed Partnership on Radioactive Waste Management (EURAD-2), under the EURATOM Work Program for 2023-2025. This Partnership will be based on the Joint European Program for Radioactive Waste Management, EURAD.
• European Co-funded Partnership for Research on 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 for Nuclear Materials", ORIENT-NM.

Calls - EURATOM Work Program 2023-2025

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

• Call for the SOFT Innovation Prize 2024 (EURATOM-2024-SOFT-Prize)
  • Opening date: September 26, 2023
  • Closing date: January 16, 2024
  • O 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 can be found here.

EURATOM/IAEA survey (Contact list)

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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.