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Durham to power up next generation of fusion scientists and engineers
Researchers in our Physics Department will receive funding for the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Fusion Power from the UK’s biggest-ever investment in engineering and physical sciences doctoral skills.
The CDT, led by University of York, will train over 100 doctoral students over the next five years to tackle the complex challenges in making clean nuclear fusion power a reality.
Fusion frontiers
Our scientists will bring globally recognised expertise in superconducting magnets and fusion plasma diagnostics - critical areas for developing commercial fusion reactors.
High-field superconducting magnets are essential for magnetically confining the ultra-hot fusion plasma, while plasma diagnostics allow modelling, predicting, and verifying the performance of current and future fusion reactors.
Energising the global fusion industry
The new CDT builds on the UK's international reputation in fusion technology, evidenced by the recent selection of a site to construct a fusion tokamak (a device that confines plasma) as part of the STEP fusion program.
This multibillion-pound industry is expected to be a major economic driver for the UK.
The CDT brings together expertise from the Universities of York, Liverpool, Manchester, Oxford, Sheffield, and Durham, as well as commercial partners like the UK Atomic Energy Authority and leading fusion companies.
£1b investment in Doctoral training
The CDTs are funded by a £500 million investment from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Ministry of Defence, plus £590 million from universities and industry partners.
This over £1 billion investment will create 65 CDTs across the UK, advancing research in areas like net zero, AI, defence, healthcare, and quantum technologies.
Find out more
- Professor Damian Hampshire and Professor Marco Cecconello from our Physics department are part of this CDT team.
- Read the full funding announcement by UKRI.
- Interested in studying at Durham? Explore our undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
Our Department of Physics is a thriving centre for research and education. Ranked 2nd in the UK by The Guardian University Guide 2023 and in the World Top 100 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023, we are proud to deliver a teaching and learning experience for students which closely aligns with the research-intensive values and practices of the University.
Feeling inspired? Visit our Physics webpages to learn more about our postgraduate and undergraduate programmes.
