The University of York will receive a share of £3 million to support nuclear fusion research and workforce development over the next five years. The funding comes through the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s FOSTER programme, part of the government’s Fusion Futures initiative.
The investment will enable the university to recruit research and teaching fellows, expand its Fusion Energy MSc, grow the Fusion Industry School, and develop a Frontiers of Fusion online course. These initiatives aim to address a projected shortfall of up to 3,000 skilled workers in the UK fusion sector by 2030.
York’s capabilities in fusion and plasma science, alongside its leadership of the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Fusion Power, position it to contribute significantly to the nation’s low-carbon energy objectives. Fusion technology replicates the process powering the sun, promising high efficiency, low waste, and improved safety compared with traditional energy sources.
The funding will support the development of a highly trained workforce and advance research into fusion energy, strengthening the UK’s position in a sector poised for rapid growth and industrial innovation.
