NIA welcomes government clarity on Euratom R&D programmes
Tom Greatrex, Chief Executive of the Nuclear Industry Association, commented:
“Scientific innovation lies at the heart of the UK civil nuclear sector, and we have the world-leading fusion research happening in the UK, at Culham in Oxfordshire.
“There are thousands of highly skilled personnel working on the Euratom funded fusion R&D programme, many of whom have felt uncertain about the future of their jobs since the referendum.
“That is why the UK civil nuclear industry has long called for an association between the UK and Euratom, so this important collaborative scientific research can continue in the UK. It is welcome that the UK government have acknowledged the benefits of the UK’s participation in these Euratom programmes, and is seeking an association agreement that will enable that to continue. That is a benefit to the UK, to the rest of the European Union and to the global scientific community, and I hope the European Commission respond positively.
“Of course, this is just one part of the current Euratom framework, and progress in replicating other vital areas is still needed before the UK leaves in March 2019. ”
