The UK’s fusion energy sector is set to receive a significant boost through a groundbreaking doctoral programme designed to cultivate the next generation of fusion engineers. The Fusion Engineering Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT), led by Professor Lee Margetts at the University of Manchester in collaboration with the universities of Sheffield, Birmingham, and Liverpool, aims to address one of the 21st century’s most pressing technological challenges: the commercialisation of fusion energy.
Funded by a £9.5 million grant from the UK Atomic Energy Authority’s FOSTER programme, the CDT will train over 150 doctoral candidates to contribute to the development of the STEP fusion power plant by 2040. This initiative is not just about academic research; it’s about creating a pipeline of skilled professionals who can translate theoretical knowledge into practical, industry-driven solutions.
Unlike traditional PhD programmes, the CDT prioritises the Doctor of Engineering (EngD) model. EngD students, referred to as ‘research engineers,’ will work on real-world challenges, often co-located with their sponsoring companies. This approach ensures that doctoral research directly addresses immediate industrial needs, such as fusion component development, safety systems, and digital twins. “The emphasis on EngD reflects a crucial reality: fusion’s timeline is urgent,” says Professor Margetts. “The STEP facility must deliver power by 2040, and research that lags by decades won’t meet the UK’s strategic needs.”
The CDT’s unique national partnership model combines the expertise of hub universities with the flexibility of UK-wide associate partners. At least 20% of the funded studentships will be allocated to associate universities, extending the programme’s reach and creating a dynamic open innovation network. This decentralised yet coordinated model ensures that research projects can be matched to regional industrial capabilities, fostering a collaborative ecosystem.
The CDT’s training programme is comprehensive, covering the entire fusion plant lifecycle: design, build, operate, maintain, and decommission. Students will receive a three-tiered training experience: Protium (core), Deuterium (taught specialisms), and Tritium (self-directed). This holistic approach acknowledges that fusion energy is a multidisciplinary engineering megaproject, not just a physics problem.
Deep industrial integration is a cornerstone of the CDT. Over 30 industrial partners, including international leaders like Tokamak Energy, Kyoto Fusioneering, Nvidia, and Microsoft, are actively involved. These partners co-design research questions, co-deliver training, and co-supervise students. For companies, this means access to cutting-edge doctoral research targeted at their specific engineering problems and the opportunity to influence national training curricula in a strategic growth sector.
Recognising the importance of inclusion and professional development, the CDT embeds equality, diversity, and wellbeing at its core. From anonymised recruitment and mental health training to CPD tracking and leadership development, the programme supports candidates academically, professionally, and personally. The goal is to produce doctoral candidates who graduate as technical experts and future leaders of a commercially viable, safe, and sustainable fusion sector.
The Fusion Engineering CDT represents a strategic response to the UK’s fusion energy ambitions. By fostering a collaborative ecosystem of academia, industry, and government, it aims to accelerate the development of commercial fusion energy. For prospective doctoral candidates and industrial partners, the CDT offers an unprecedented opportunity to contribute to the UK’s fusion mission. Applications from prospective students and expressions of interest from new industrial collaborators are warmly welcomed.
This initiative could significantly shape the development of the fusion energy sector by bridging the gap between academic research and industrial application. By prioritising the EngD model and fostering deep industrial integration, the CDT ensures that research is directly relevant to the urgent needs of the fusion industry. The comprehensive training programme and inclusive model further enhance the programme’s potential to produce skilled professionals who can drive the UK’s fusion energy ambitions forward.