EPSRC
UK Japan Civil Nuclear Research Programme 2026
4:00pm UK time
Last verified:
The UK Japan Civil Nuclear Research Programme 2026 funds collaborative research between UK and Japanese teams to support decommissioning of Fukushima and Sellafield nuclear plants. UK institutions can secure up to £593,750 (80% of full economic cost via EPSRC) for projects up to three years, starting 1 January 2027, addressing radioactive waste treatment, robotic/autonomous systems, fuel debris and materials, or decommissioning technology. This is a one-off call requiring mandatory consortium collaboration with a named Japanese partner submitting separately to MEXT.
Details
| Funder | EPSRC |
| Budget | Up to £593,750 FEC (80% funded by EPSRC) |
| Deadline | 8 September 2026 |
| Duration | Up to 36 months |
| Consortium | Required — UK-based and Japan-based researchers must collaborate; UK lead submits to EPSRC, Japanese partner submits to JAEA/CLADS |
| Application | Single stage; UK partner submits to EPSRC, Japanese partner submits to JAEA/CLADS separately |
| Frequency | One-off |
| Eligible countries | GB |
Eligibility & scope
Jointly funded by EPSRC and Japan's MEXT targeting decommissioning of Fukushima and Sellafield nuclear plants. Proposals must address at least one of four fields: radioactive waste treatment, robotic/autonomous systems, fuel debris/materials, or decommissioning technology. UK institutions only; fixed start date 1 January 2027. EPSRC funds 80% of FEC (up to £593,750); UK costs only — Japanese partner funds separately via MEXT.
Who Should Apply
- •UK-based research teams with expertise in one of four priority areas: radioactive waste treatment, robotic or autonomous systems, fuel debris and materials, or decommissioning technology
- •Groups able to identify and engage a committed Japanese research partner early in the application process
- •Institutions willing to adopt a fixed project start date of 1 January 2027
- •Researchers aligned with the strategic priorities of nuclear decommissioning in the UK and Japan
Key Dates
- •Deadline: 8 September 2026, 4:00pm UK time
- •Single-stage submission; UK partner submits to EPSRC, Japanese partner submits separately to JAEA/CLADS
- •Fixed project start date: 1 January 2027; projects run up to 36 months
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Secure your Japanese collaborator well before the deadline; consortium alignment is gating for both EPSRC and MEXT panels.
- ✓Frame your proposal around one or more of the four priority technical areas explicitly; cross-cutting proposals that blur the categories score lower.
- ✓Budget only UK costs in your EPSRC proposal; Japanese partner costs are funded separately by MEXT and must not appear in your FEC figure.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can I request from EPSRC for the UK Japan Civil Nuclear Research Programme?
Up to £593,750, which covers 80% of full economic cost; EPSRC does not fund the remaining 20% or Japanese partner costs.
Is the Japanese partner required?
Yes, consortium collaboration between UK and Japanese institutions is mandatory; the UK lead submits to EPSRC while the Japanese partner submits separately to MEXT.
What are the eligible research areas?
Proposals must address at least one of four fields: radioactive waste treatment, robotic and autonomous systems, fuel debris and materials, or decommissioning technology.
When do funded projects start?
All projects have a fixed start date of 1 January 2027, with a maximum duration of 36 months.
Is this call repeated annually?
No, this is a one-off call jointly funded by EPSRC and Japan's MEXT.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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