[European Commission](https://commission.europa.eu/index_en)

March 21, 2025 (Phase 1) | July 7, 2025 (Phase 2)

Total call budget: €13,500,000 | Max EC grant per project: €900,000 (higher possible for outstanding proposals); 50% funding rate of eligible costs

Funds projects advancing innovation in nuclear materials for safer, sustainable energy, emphasizing digital and advanced manufacturing methods.

Two-phase application; only Phase 1 applicants can proceed to Phase 2.

--- ## Description This funding opportunity supports research and innovation projects that accelerate the development, improvement, and qualification of advanced nuclear materials for energy applications. The call aims to address the challenges of operating nuclear systems under extreme conditions, such as high temperatures, irradiation, and chemically aggressive environments, by fostering a shift from traditional "observe and qualify" approaches to data-driven "design and control" paradigms. Projects are expected to leverage modern digital techniques—including machine learning, data analytics, high-performance computing, blockchain, robotics, and advanced manufacturing—as well as lifecycle sustainability assessment tools. The program encourages the formation of open, multi-partner consortia to match strategic objectives with innovative, bottom-up solutions, covering all current and future nuclear reactor generations. --- ## Due Dates - **Phase 1 (Project Ideas):** - Opens: January 20, 2025 - Deadline: March 21, 2025 (17:00 Brussels time) - **Phase 2 (Full Proposals):** - Opens: April 28, 2025 - Deadline: July 7, 2025 (17:00 Brussels time) *Only applicants who submitted in Phase 1 are eligible for Phase 2.* --- ## Funding Amount - **Total call budget:** €13,500,000 (EC contribution) - **Funding rate:** 50% of eligible costs (matching funds required) - **Maximum EC grant per project:** €900,000 (higher amounts possible for exceptional proposals, subject to budget availability) - **Project duration:** Expected January 2026 – September 30, 2029 --- ## Eligibility - Open to consortia of organizations (universities, research institutes, industry, etc.) active in nuclear materials research and innovation. - Projects must align with the ambition to innovate nuclear materials for enhanced safety and sustainability, utilizing digital and advanced manufacturing tools. - Activities must cover reactors of any current and future generation. - Only proposals submitted in Phase 1 are eligible for Phase 2 submission. --- ## Application Process - **Two-phase submission:** 1. **Phase 1:** Submit a Project Idea using the provided template via the CONNECT-NM repository by March 21, 2025. 2. **Brokerage Event:** Intermediate event for consortium building and feedback. 3. **Phase 2:** Eligible Phase 1 applicants submit a full Project Proposal by July 7, 2025. - Proposals must be submitted electronically using official templates. - Detailed guidance, templates, and further requirements are available on the [CONNECT-NM website](https://www.connect-nm.eu/call-for-projects-documents/). --- ## Additional Information - The call covers five research lines: 1. Knowledge and Data Management 2. Advanced Materials Development and Manufacturing 3. Materials and Component Qualification: Testing, Standardization, and Design Rules 4. Non-Destructive Examination and Materials Health Monitoring 5. Advanced Materials Modelling and Characterization - Proposers may request less than 50% funding if additional national/regional/institutional funding is available. - Projects are selected based on alignment with CONNECT-NM's strategic research agenda and the quality and impact of the proposed work. --- ## External Links - [Call details and application portal](https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/portal/screen/opportunities/competitive-calls-cs/9601?isExactMatch=true&status=31094501,31094502&order=DESC&pageNumber=16&pageSize=50&sortBy=startDate) - [CONNECT-NM call documents and guidance](https://www.connect-nm.eu/call-for-projects-documents/) - [Strategic Research Agenda](https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/899997/results) --- ## Contact Information | Topic/Area | Contact Person | Email | |---------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------------------| | Research Line 1: Knowledge and Data Management | Michal Pecelerowiccz (NCBJ) | [michal.pecelerowicz@ncbj.gov.pl](mailto:michal.pecelerowicz@ncbj.gov.pl) | | Research Line 2: Advanced Materials Development | Marialuisa Gentile (Newcleo) | [marialuisa.gentile@newcleo.com](mailto:marialuisa.gentile@newcleo.com) | | Research Line 3: Materials & Component Qualification | Massimo Angiolini (ENEA) | [Massimo.angiolini@enea.it](mailto:Massimo.angiolini@enea.it) | | Research Line 4: NDE & Materials Health Monitoring | Madalina Rabung (Fraunhofer) | [madalina.rabung@izfp.fraunhofer.de](mailto:madalina.rabung@izfp.fraunhofer.de) | | Research Line 5: Advanced Materials Modelling | Maria Oksa (VTT) | [Maria.Oksa@vtt.fi](mailto:Maria.Oksa@vtt.fi) | | Financial matters | Silvia De Grandis (Sintec-NT) | [silvia.degrandis@sintec-nt.it](mailto:silvia.degrandis@sintec-nt.it) | | General proposal queries | CONNECT-NM Info | [info@connect-nm.eu](mailto:info@connect-nm.eu) |

CONNECT-NM Open call 2025

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