Cooperation in the Nuclear Field

The Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) monitors, directly and/or through experts, the following initiatives related to atomic energy and its applications in different areas.

Technical Cooperation Program of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA-Portugal)

The FCT is responsible for publicizing, promoting, managing, and providing support for:

• the participation of Portuguese experts in scientific and technical projects and in various events (workshops, courses, technical meetings) organized by the IAEA;
• internships in Portugal for foreign interns;
• technical meetings held in Portugal.

Visit the IAEA-Portugal website to find out how to participate in projects and events organized by this agency.

EURATOM Research and Training Programme

FCT is responsible for promoting the 2021–2027 EURATOM Research and Training Programme, specifically its fission and fusion components.

Visit the EURATOM Research and Training Programme page to learn how to participate in projects and obtain funding for nuclear research.

Fusion for Energy (F4E) / International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER)

Fusion for Energy (F4E) is the European Union organization that manages Europe's contribution to the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), a scientific partnership that is the largest scientific experiment on the road to fusion energy and involves, in addition to Europe, China, Japan, India, South Korea, Russia, and the United States of America.

F4E was founded in 2007 for a period of 35 years. Its main mission is to bring fusion, the energy of the Sun and stars, to Earth. To this end, it works closely with industry and research organizations to provide the infrastructure and components for the largest fusion device.

Working Party on Atomic Questions of the Council of the European Union

The Working Party on Atomic Questions is a preparatory body for meetings of the Council of the European Union that deals with matters relating to protection against ionizing radiation in medical and industrial applications, the safety of nuclear installations, and the management of spent fuel and radioactive waste.

It also deals with matters related to the supply and protection of nuclear material, particularly:

• the regulatory framework for activities related to nuclear safety, radioactive waste, and spent fuel;
• the definition of basic safety standards for ionizing radiation;
• cooperation with third countries on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.