The EURATOM research and training framework-programme 2021-2025 complements Horizon Europe, using its same instruments and rules for participation, covering the area of nuclear research and training. It focuses on Fusion, nuclear safety, radiation protection and radioactive waste management and decommissioning. This five-year programme (a time limit set by Article 7 of the Euratom Treaty) will later be extended by two years (until 2027) to align it with the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) and Horizon Europe.
The programme has direct actions (undertaken by the Commission’s Joint Research Centre – JRC – within a separate work programme), and Indirect actions on fission and fusion research (undertaken by multi-partner consortia).
Fission research will focus on safety, management of spent fuel and radioactive waste, decommissioning, radiation protection, education and training. The new programme places increased emphasis on non-power application of nuclear technology. In this regard, the medical field is the most prominent and EURATOM is supporting the European’s Beating Cancer Plan (cf. ionising radiation used for diagnostics and therapy). There is also much potential in the application of nuclear science to fields like agriculture, environment and space.
Fusion research will focus on the implementation of the European Research Roadmap to the realisation of Fusion Energy, which represents a long-term option for large-scale, low-carbon electricity production. It could help address a growing low-carbon energy demand towards the end of this century. Before deployment 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 PROGRAMME 2021-2025
European Partnership in radiation protection and detection of ionising radiation, which will build on and further develop the research priorities identified in the roadmap prepared by CONCERT, the 2015-2020 European Joint Programme for the integration of radiation protection research (HORIZON-EURATOM-2021-NRT-01-09 Call Topic, currently open for this partnership, within the EURATOM Work Programme for 2021-2022).
European Partnership in radiation protection and detection of ionising radiation, which will build on and further develop the research priorities identified in the roadmap prepared by CONCERT, the 2015-2020 European Joint Programme for the integration of radiation protection research (HORIZON-EURATOM-2021-NRT-01-09 Call Topic, currently open for this partnership, within the EURATOM Work Programme for 2021-2022).
Co-funded European Partnership for fusion research, implementing the European fusion research roadmap over the years 2021-2025, to be carried out by the EUROfusion – the European Consortium for Development of Fusion Energy (Action not subject to call for proposals, within the Work Programme for 2021-2022).
European Partnership in radioactive waste management, which will build on the successful ongoing European Joint Programme in radioactive waste management, EURAD (within the Work Programme for 2023-2024).
