UK Japan Civil Nuclear Research Programme 2026
This grant funds UK-Japan research partnerships to develop advanced, safer, and more sustainable technologies for nuclear plant decommissioning, focusing on Fukushima and Sellafield.
Funder: UK Research and Innovation
Due Dates: September 8, 2026 (Full application/closing date)
Funding Amounts: £250,000–£593,750 per project (100% FEC); EPSRC funds 80% FEC up to £475,000; total fund £950,000; project duration up to 36 months.
Summary: Supports UK-Japan collaborative research to advance safe, cost-effective, and sustainable nuclear plant decommissioning, focusing on challenges at Fukushima and Sellafield.
Key Information: Proposals must include both UK and Japanese partners; UK funding covers only the UK component.
Description
This funding opportunity, delivered by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) in partnership with Japan’s Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), supports collaborative research between UK and Japanese researchers to tackle key challenges in the decommissioning of nuclear power plants—specifically, Fukushima (Japan) and Sellafield (UK). The programme aims to generate innovative solutions for safer, more cost-effective, and sustainable decommissioning processes, contributing to both nations' strategic ambitions in clean energy and environmental safety.
Proposals must address at least one of four priority areas:
- Radioactive waste treatment, packaging, and storage
- Robotic and autonomous systems for decommissioning
- Fuel debris and materials
- Decommissioning technology
Within these, sub-themes include waste characterisation, remote handling, digital twins, fuel debris modelling, monitoring, risk management, and advanced data analysis.
