The University of Liverpool has joined a new transatlantic partnership of higher education institutions in the United Kingdom and the United States to advance research, skills, and policy in fusion energy.
A landmark Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this month at the Global Fusion Policy Summit establishes a collaborative framework between the US-based University Fusion Association and a coalition of 16 UK universities, including the University of Liverpool.
The flexible structure of the agreement invites further institutional participation, allowing additional universities to join the initiative in the coming months.
The agreement focuses on critical pillars required to realise commercial fusion energy:
- Research and Innovation: Collaborative scientific discovery, technology development, and engineering deployment.
- Workforce & Skills Development: Multilevel educational and training initiatives designed to build a robust, inclusive, and diverse talent pipeline for the fusion sector over the next decade and beyond.
- Economic Impact: Promoting entrepreneurship and commercialisation pathways to generate economic benefit.
- Policy & Society: Advancing science-informed policy and serving the interests of society at large.
Anchored in shared values, the signatory institutions have pledged to uphold high standards of ethics and research integrity while prioritising student and trainee welfare. The framework emphasises collegiality across institutions to support career development, individual wellbeing, and the global fusion research community.
Kirsty McKay, from the University's Department of Electrical Engineering and Electronics, said:
"This new transatlantic partnership brings together leading academic institutions from the UK and US, combining significant expertise and knowledge to help drive progress across the fusion community. Delivering fusion energy will require collaboration across disciplines, institutions and borders, and universities have an important role to play in the development of the skills, research and innovation needed to foster the sector."
Professor Laura Harkness, Pro-Vice-Chancellor and Head of the Faculty for Science and Engineering, added:
"We are delighted to be part of this important partnership, which aligns strongly with the University's wider strategic priorities in nuclear research. Our Chadwick Institute for Nuclear Innovation is a unique hub for interdisciplinary research, teaching, and policy engagement within the sector. Strategic partnerships such as this are critical to accelerating the growth of fusion energy."
David Capper, Director for New Nuclear Strategy and Fusion Energy, UK Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) commented:
"Delivering fusion will require collaboration across academia, industry, and government, alongside a strong pipeline of skills and talent. Universities have an important role in making fusion possible which is why we welcome partnerships like the one being forged today."
Matthew Lanctot, Acting Research Division Director, US Department of Energy (DoE), Fusion Energy Services, added:
"This partnership will strengthen the publicly funded research base that drives fusion innovation while helping develop the talent and technology needed for a competitive private fusion sector. By connecting expertise across the Atlantic, this partnership can help close critical gaps on the path to commercial fusion."
Image caption: Representatives from UK & US universities, the US DoE and UK DESNZ at the signing of the MoU (© UKAEA)
