EURATOM Research and Training Programme 2021-2025

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

EURATOM Research and Training Programme 2021-2025

Under Article 4 of the EURATOM Treaty, the promotion of research on the civil use of nuclear energy is an important function of the European Commission. The EURATOM Research and Training Programme has been established for the period 2021-2025, with a budget of €1.38 billion. This five-year programme (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 Programme 2021-2025, covering the area of nuclear research and training, complements the Horizon Europe Programme, using the same instruments and rules for participation. It focuses on fusion, nuclear safety, radiation protection, radioactive waste management and decommissioning.

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

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

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

Partnerships under the EURATOM Research and Training Programme 2021-2025

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

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

Calls - EURATOM Work Programme 2023-2025

• Call for Horizon-EURATOM-2023-NRT-01 proposals
  • Opening date: April 4, 2023
  • Closing date: November 8, 2023
  • Proposals can be submitted on 11 topics, accessible here.
• Call for MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships in Nuclear Research and Training
  • Opening date: April 12, 2023
  • Closing date: September 13, 2023
  • Researchers in the fields covered by the EURATOM Programme may apply for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA). Applicants must meet all the conditions set by the Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Work Programme for 2023-2024, including specific eligibility conditions that apply to MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships in the research areas covered by the EURATOM Research and Training Programme 2021-2025. Please refer to the information on Call of 2023 - HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01.

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 the national representation and coordination of the promotion of research and innovation activities related to the EURATOM Research and Training Programme for 2021-2025.