FOSTER Programme Launched to Advance Fusion Energy Training and Expand Postgraduate Access

UK Government Backs Fusion Workforce Development with Major Investment in Education and Research

The UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), a government research organisation operating under the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, is widely recognised for its leadership in developing sustainable fusion energy. Based at Culham Science Centre in Oxfordshire, UKAEA oversees several pioneering initiatives, including the Fusion Futures strategy and the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production (STEP) programme, both of which aim to deliver commercially viable fusion power by the 2040s. In addition to its energy research, UKAEA manages advanced facilities in robotics, materials science, and tritium fuel development, thereby reinforcing the UK’s position as a global leader in fusion innovation. In collaboration with the University of York, UK and Edinburgh University, UKAEA has announced a £7.8 million investment intended to strengthen fusion training and research capacity across the country. This five-year initiative forms part of the Fusion Opportunities in Skills, Training, Education and Research (FOSTER) Programme, which seeks to cultivate a diverse and skilled workforce capable of advancing fusion energy, a key pillar of the UK’s long-term strategy for energy security and net zero commitments.

According to UKAEA, the funding is expected to create new educational opportunities at UK universities, enabling students to pursue postgraduate degrees with a strong emphasis on science and technology. The investment will support master s-level teaching and training programmes, with particular attention given to widening access through scholarships aimed at removing financial barriers for students from underrepresented backgrounds. Officials have indicated that the initiative aligns with national efforts to expand level 7 provision and ensure that science universities in the UK remain competitive on the global stage.

At the University of York, UK, plans are reportedly underway to enhance fusion training provision by funding new academic posts and developing specialised master's programmes. The university also intends to expand its Fusion Industry School and launch a new massively open online course (MOOC), designed to increase public access to science and technology education. These initiatives are expected to strengthen skills training and generate research opportunities for both undergraduate and doctoral students. York’s leadership in plasma diagnostics, alongside its role in the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Fusion Power, further consolidates its position as a national anchor in fusion education.

Meanwhile, Edinburgh University UK, is said to be establishing a new Centre for Plasma Theory, drawing on expertise from the School of Mathematics and the School of Physics and Astronomy. The Centre will reportedly focus on applying theoretical physics to fusion plasma challenges and will introduce a dedicated fusion stream within existing MSc programmes. University leaders have emphasised that the Centre will serve as a hub for cross-disciplinary education and skills development, preparing students for careers in the energy research sector. The initiative complements Edinburgh’s strengths in computational modelling and theoretical analysis, which are increasingly critical to fusion innovation.

Nick Walkden, Head of Fusion Skills Operation and Delivery at UKAEA, was quoted as stating that the UK’s academic landscape had long been recognised for its excellence in fusion education. He suggested that the new collaborations with UK universities would build on existing institutional strengths, expand postgraduate provision, and help meet the growing demand for expertise as the sector moves towards the deployment of a fusion pilot plant. UKAEA has estimated that between 2,000 and 3,000 new professionals will be required by 2030 to support the sector’s growth, with the FOSTER Programme aiming to train over 700 students at the postgraduate level.

Professor Erik Wagenaars, Director of the York Plasma Institute, reportedly highlighted that York’s inclusive teaching culture and scientific expertise positioned the university to contribute meaningfully to the expansion of impact across science and technology. Similarly, Dr Moritz Linkmann, Director of the Graduate School in Mathematics at Edinburgh University, was cited as noting that the collaboration would inspire both research and teaching while fostering sector-specific expertise. Observers have noted that the FOSTER Programme is designed to drive skills development across all levels of education, from primary school to doctoral study, by addressing systemic gaps, improving training provision, and supporting funding for research and education. A key objective lies in ensuring that UK universities remain at the forefront of global fusion innovation, while also building international partnerships and fellowships to extend the programme’s reach. This investment is regarded as a strategic step towards enhancing fusion training and energy research in the UK. It is expected to shape the next generation of scientists, engineers, and educators who will play a pivotal role in advancing science, technology, and industry both nationally and internationally.

Editor’s Note

The UK Atomic Energy Authority’s new £7.8 million partnership with the University of York, UK and Edinburgh University, UK, shows why fusion energy is not only a scientific ambition but also a national priority. Operating under the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, UKAEA leads programmes such as STEP, which aim to deliver fusion power to the grid by the 2040s, making this work central to the UK’s long-term energy security and net zero goals. This investment reflects the scale of the challenge and opportunity. Over the next five years, funding will support master’s level teaching, research opportunities, and scholarships to widen access for students from underrepresented backgrounds. With workforce demand expected to grow by up to 3,000 professionals by 2030, the FOSTER Programme is designed to train more than 700 postgraduate students, building the skills pipeline needed for the future. The University of York, UK, will strengthen its leadership role in plasma diagnostics and fusion education by expanding its teaching and training programmes, developing new master's courses, and launching a public-facing MOOC. Edinburgh University UK, is creating a Centre for Plasma Theory, bringing together expertise in mathematics and physics to address some of fusion’s most complex challenges. Both universities are helping to grow cross-disciplinary skills and open up education opportunities that reach beyond academia to industry and the wider public. In a field where global competition is intensifying, this initiative ensures that UK universities remain at the forefront of energy research and education. By combining institutional strengths with government funding, the programme builds long-term resilience in the UK’s science and technology base while creating international pathways for collaboration. 

Skoobuzz underlines that fusion is not only about generating clean energy but also about building people, skills, and knowledge and this investment marks a vital step toward preparing the workforce that will secure the UK’s leadership in fusion and future clean power.