About us
Powering the future of clean energy through fusion engineering. We bring together leading research, advanced training, and industrial collaboration to build the next generation of fusion energy leaders.
Why fusion, why now: STEP and the future of clean energy
We offer fully funded PhD and EngD programmes that prepare researchers to design, build, operate safely, maintain — and ultimately decommission — fusion power plants.
Our CDT is deeply aligned with the UK Government’s flagship programme:
STEP – Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production
This pioneering national mission is the UK’s first major programme to build a prototype fusion power plant, aiming to demonstrate fusion at commercial scale.
STEP will deliver:
- Net energy output
- Fuel self-sufficiency
- A viable route to plant maintenance.
This major project will lay the foundations for a fleet of future fusion power plants and the global commercialisation of fusion energy, a huge endeavour encompassing:
- Engineering design and construction
- Infrastructure and site development
- Supply chain logistics and industrial partnerships.
“We’re cultivating fusioneers who will design, build, and operate fusion power plants — ready to meet the challenges of the next 40 years.”
Professor Lee Margetts / CDT Principal Investigator
Watch STEP's official brand film
See how the STEP programme aims to make fusion energy the next step forward for humankind — catalysing new ideas and technologies that will benefit multiple industries and help build a more sustainable future for our planet.
By uniting government and business, inspiration and pragmatism, theory and practice, UK expertise and global reach, STEP is poised to deliver the step-change our world needs.
The UK: Leading the global fusion energy race
With significant investment from the UK Government and private capital, the UK is now seen as a global leader in the fusion energy sector — accelerating the pace of technical and engineering innovation.
While most Centres for Doctoral Training (CDTs) are funded through the UKRI’s Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), the Fusion Engineering CDT is directly funded by the UK Atomic Energy Authority. This ensures the UK has the highly skilled engineering leaders required to deliver its first fusion power plant at the STEP facility.
Image courtesy of the UKAEA.
What we offer
Research degrees with real-world impact
Our CDT is designed for STEM graduates who want to transform their passion for sustainable energy into a high-impact career in a growing sector.
You’ll join a supportive, cross-disciplinary research cohort and undertake a fully funded 4-year EngD or PhD aligned with ten key fusion-relevant themes:
- Advanced Manufacturing for Fusion Components
- Blanket and First Wall Engineering
- Design for Assembly and Maintenance in Fusion Environments
- Digital Engineering and AI for Fusion Systems, Divertor and Exhaust Systems
- Instrumentation, Sensing, and Diagnostics Engineering
- Remote Handling and Robotics
- Superconducting Magnet Technology
- System Integration and Reactor Design
- Tritium Breeding and Fuel Cycle Engineering.
What's in it for you
- A fully funded 4-year research studentship
- An Engineering Doctorate (EngD) or PhD in a fusion-aligned theme
- An industry placement to build networks and experience
- A 3-month foundation programme in fusion engineering
- A portfolio aligned to Chartered Engineer (CEng) accreditation.
Image courtesy of the UKAEA.
Supercharging fusion engineering expertise
“The programme will supercharge the development of specialist engineering skills for the fusion sector, combining international research excellence with deep fusion engineering expertise... a world-leading platform for fusion engineering training. A particular highlight of this collaboration is the Fusion Engineering CDT Community Studentship Scheme, which will provide PhD support to a wider landscape of universities who share our commitment to invest in the future of fusion energy.”
Nick Walkden / Head of Fusion Skills and FOSTER Programme Director, UK Atomic Energy Authority
Collaborative sponsorships
Advance your research and development goals
Whether you're from industry or academia, we offer flexible sponsorship routes to support talent development and knowledge exchange.
Benefits of partnering with us:
- Access leading research tailored to your challenges
- Strengthen your organisation’s future workforce
- Build long-term links with academic expertise
- Support innovation in a nationally significant sector.
Industry Sponsorship
Co-develop a PhD or EngD project that addresses your research priorities.
Employee Sponsorship
Support an existing employee to complete an EngD within the CDT.
Community Studentship Scheme
Open to academics at any UK university with match funding in place.
Meet the team
Our CDT is led by a cross-institutional group of internationally recognised academics and research managers, each playing a key role in shaping the future of fusion engineering in the UK.
Image courtesy of the UKAEA.
