What is the Fusion Engineering Centre for Doctoral Training?

Photo courtesy of UK Atomic Energy Authority

Photo courtesy of UK Atomic Energy Authority

Our funding was announced by the UK Atomic Energy Authority in February 2025 - see the press release here.

”I am delighted that after a very competitive bidding process, we have been able to select an academic team to embark on this exciting collaboration, which will supercharge the development of specialist engineering skills for the fusion sector. The programme combines international research excellence with deep fusion engineering expertise, and we look forward to working together in the coming years to build a world-leading platform for fusion engineering training. A particular highlight of this collaboration is the Fusion Engineering CDT Associate Membership 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

“Students recruited into the Fusion Engineering CDT are expected to work in the fusion industry sector for the next 40 years, where they will face huge challenges and knowledge gaps, at a scale we’ve never encountered before. The Centre will cultivate fusioneers who are ready to tackle these critical challenges for fusion energy. With training delivered by world-leading experts, we’re creating a workforce with the skills to design, build, and operate fusion power plants – who are able to make an immediate contribution.”

Professor Lee Margetts, Fusion Engineering CDT Principal Investigator / The University of Manchester

We offer 4-year PhD and EngD projects in a cohort setting in 10 key themes; advanced manufacture, artificial intelligence, computation, construction, control, maintenance, modelling, qualification, safety and simulation.

Our training and research will develop STEM graduates into engineering leaders to design, build, safely operate, maintain and eventually decommission fusion power plants.

Why join the Fusion Engineering CDT?

  • You graduated with a 2.1 degree in a STEM subject and can demonstrate a passion for sustainable energy

  • You want a career in a growth area of the UK engineering industrial sector

  • You want a fully funded 4-year Engineering Doctorate EngD research studentship

  • You want an industry placement and to build professional networks

  • You want to start your EngD with a 3-month training programme of hybrid workshops in fusion engineering

  • You want to build a portfolio for your CEng accreditation

You’re a STEM graduate employed in the fusion sector already?

We have a scheme for employers to sponsor their employee to obtain an EngD in the Centre, by nominating a project that supports the employers R&D interests. This route and can provide a cost effective way for employers to retain staff and offer a unique development opportuity to enhance their technical capabilities.

Video courtesy of the UK Atomic Energy Authority

What is STEP?

The first of its kind, STEP is the UK’s major technology and infrastructure programme to build a prototype fusion powerplant that will demonstrate net energy, fuel self-sufficiency and a viable route to plant maintenance. 

This will pave the way for the potential development of a fleet of future fusion powerplants around the world and the commercialisation of fusion energy. We’ll achieve this by producing a prototype tokamak powerplant — in an innovative spherical shape — that will demonstrate net energy. That’s why the programme is called STEP: it stands for ‘Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production’.  
 
But STEP is about more than tokamak technology — it’s a huge endeavour encompassing design, site development and construction, alongside supply chain logistics and industry. Fusion research and development has the potential to catalyse new ideas and technologies that will benefit multiple industries and help secure our future on this planet. By fusing government and business, inspiration and pragmatism, theory and practice, UK-expertise and international impact, we’re going to realise the step-change that will secure humanity’s bright future.

CDT Managment Group

  • Professor Lee Margetts

    Director

    UKAEA Chair of Digital Engineering for Fusion Energy

    University of Manchester

    Academic Bio

  • Professor Russell Goodall

    Deputy Director

    Professor of Metallurgy

    University of Sheffield

    Academic Bio

  • Professor Arun Bhattacharya

    Co-Director

    Tokamak Energy Chair in Fusion Energy

    University of Birmingham

    Academic Bio

  • Professor Karl Whitte

    Co-Director

    Professor Zero Carbon and Nuclear Energy

    University of Liverpool

    Academic Bio

  • Professor Philip Edmondson

    Co-Director

    UKAEA Chair - Tritium Science & Technology

    University of Manchester

    Academic Bio

  • Professor Chris Race

    Co-Director

    UKAEA Chair in Fusion Materials

    University of Sheffield

    Academic Bio

  • Sharon Brown

    Manager (University of Sheffield)

  • Frances Rocca

    Administrator (University of Manchester)