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EPSRC Centres for Doctoral Training in Fusion Hold Joint External Advisory Board Meeting, Marking Inaugural Session for New Fusion Power CDT

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The teams managing the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Science and Technology of Fusion Energy and the newly funded EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Fusion Power held an inaugural joint External Advisory Board meeting at the prestigious Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining in London in June 2025.

This joint meeting provided a unique forum for the External Advisory Board to offer unified strategic guidance across both EPSRC-funded doctoral training initiatives. The comprehensive agenda covered a wide range of critical topics vital to the success and impact of both CDTs, ensuring continued excellence and innovation in fusion energy research and training. Discussions included:

  • Taught Programme Alignment and Evolution: Review of the academic curricula, highlighting how the programs are designed to equip future fusion leaders with cutting-edge knowledge and skills across both funding streams.
  • Recruitment and Cohort Planning: Exploration of unified strategies to attract and secure the brightest minds for current and upcoming doctoral cohorts.
  • Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): Commitment to fostering an inclusive environment that promotes diversity across all aspects of the CDTs’ operations.
  • Industry and Stakeholder Engagement: Strategies for strengthening collaborations with industrial partners and key stakeholders, ensuring research aligns with real-world needs and accelerates technology transfer.
  • Media and Outreach: Plans to effectively communicate the exciting advancements in fusion energy to a wider audience and inspire future generations.
  • CDT Governance and Operations: Discussion on the robust frameworks ensuring efficient and effective management of both centres under the same leadership.
  • Strategic Outlook for UK Fusion Power: Visionary planning for the long-term impact and contribution of both CDTs to the global fusion energy landscape.

Professor Roddy Vann, Director of both Fusion CDT’s Stated, “I am absolutely delighted with the outcomes of our recent External Advisory Board meeting. It was great to get the Board’s affirmation that our programme is of the highest quality. The feedback provided by our board members will be tremendously helpful — it will undoubtedly strengthen the future impact of the two EPSRC Fusion CDTs’ research and training programmes.”

The External Advisory Board comprises esteemed leaders from academia, industry, and government, offering invaluable expertise and guidance. Members of the board present at the meeting included:

  • Roger Jaspers (Eindhoven University of Technology; Chair)
  • James Tarver (EPSRC) – Online
  • Monica Mwanje (MM Consulting) – Online
  • Eleanor Tubman (UC Berkeley) – Online
  • Tom Davis (Oxford Sigma)
  • Richard Pearson (Kyoto Fusioneering)
  • Isobel Houghton (AtkinsRéalis)
  • Jacqui Dalziel (Tokamak Energy)
  • Nick Walkden (UKAEA / FOSTER)
  • Kevin Ronald (University of Strathclyde)

The successful joint EAB meeting underscores the UK’s commitment to accelerating the development of fusion power as a clean, virtually limitless energy source, with both CDTs playing a critical role in training the next generation of scientists and engineers.