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Research and innovation

Nuclear fission

Why the EU supports nuclear fission research and innovation

Nuclear fission can harness large quantities of energy released to generate electricity for the benefit of society as a whole.

Nuclear science and technology has also other applications. For example, radiation is used extensively in medical diagnostic and therapeutic practices, x-rays, cancer radiotherapy or radioactive tracers.

Most radioisotopes and radio-pharmaceuticals are produced in nuclear reactors, which may also serve as research facilities.

What is the EU doing?

Nuclear technology in the EU has an outstanding safety record but research is still needed to

  • maintain a high level of safety in operating nuclear facilities, including the long-term management of associated radioactive waste
  • better understand the risks and hazards associated with the use of radiation in medicine and industry
  • develop and sustain nuclear expertise and excellence in the EU
  • assess risks of low and protracted exposure to ionising radiation, including in medical applications
  • sustain research infrastructures and education and training
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Young professionals in the nuclear field

A video series presenting eight young professionals who share their work and experiences in the nuclear field

Funding opportunities

Calls for proposal on energy related themes in Horizon Europe and information on the work programme.

Funding for innovative low-carbon technology research with focus on environmentally safe Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and innovative renewable energy technologies

The LIFE Programme is the EU’s funding instrument for the environment and climate action.

Projects and results

Latest news, interviews and features about thought-provoking science and innovative research projects funded by the EU.

Platform where framework programme participants present their results for you to search, contact their owners, and form partnerships

Access to real-time programme data with the ability to filter by country, region, theme and more

Collaboration and jobs

European Consortium for Development of Fusion Energy, managing research activities on behalf of Euratom

Scientific publications, tools and databases

Scientific energy research publications published by the European Commission's Joint Research Centre (JRC)

Single point of access to open data produced by the EU institutions - all data free to use for commercial and non-commercial purposes

You can access all scientific publications from Horizon 2020 via OpenAIRE