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Project Call: Autumn 2027 cohort now open
The Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Fusion Engineering is now accepting EngD and PhD project proposals for students starting in Autumn 2027 from any UK university or industrial sponsor.
Round 1
The deadline for submission of a project proposal for Round 1 project advertisements is Friday 30th October 2026.
Review of proposals will begin immediately after the deadline, and supervisors of projects securing CDT funding will be notified, and projects advertised in FindaPhD from November 2026 through to 30th January 2027.
Round 2
Proposals received after 30th October 2026 will be considered for any remaining CDT funding available through Round 2 funding allocations, which is open until 1st February, with project adverts from February through to May 2027.
To submit a project proposal, please complete the CDT’s 2027 Project Proposal Form online.
Project proposals (PhD or EngD) must support the engineering research required to design, build, operate, maintain and decommission fusion devices for power generation.
Each proposal requires matched cash support of £75,000 + VAT, sourced from either a university or an industrial partner. Match funding cannot come from a UKRI-funded CDT grant or a UKAEA–FOSTER funded voucher/award.
We will support academic supervisors in sourcing the industrial match funding through advertisement of unfunded projects to our CDT industrial board members.
The CDT is a collaborative programme across the Universities of Manchester, Sheffield, Liverpool and Birmingham. Community Studentships are open to supervisors from any UK university. All students, including those funded through the Community Studentships scheme, must participate fully in all CDT training.
Contact information:
If you have any questions about the project proposal process, please email hello@fusion-engineering-cdt.ac.uk and the CDT Management Team will be happy to assist.
Make impact through collaboration
Whether you're an industry leader looking to invest in future talent, or an academic seeking to grow your research capacity — there are multiple ways to engage with the Fusion Engineering Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT).
Join us in developing the next generation of fusion engineers, shaping high-impact research, and building the skills base needed for the UK's clean energy future.
Choose the model that fits your goals
Industry Sponsorship
Co-develop a PhD or EngD project that addresses your R&D priorities.
Sponsor a doctoral researcher to work on a project designed with your organisation in mind. Gain access to cutting-edge university research, facilities, and future recruitment opportunities.
Employee Project Sponsorship
Support an existing employee to complete an EngD within the CDT.
Empower your staff with doctoral-level training, without losing them from your team. Ideal for organisations looking to build in-house research capability.
Community Studentship Scheme
Open to academics at any UK university with match funding in place.
Propose a new PhD project aligned with the CDT's mission. Access co-funding to support a doctoral student and connect with our national training network.
Have questions? Get in touch
If you have questions about an application or anything else, please get in touch with the CDT.
