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Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council

UK Japan Civil Nuclear Research Programme 2026

Research funding for UK-Japan nuclear decommissioning projects.

OpenEngineering and Physical Sciences Research CouncilUnited Kingdom

This jointly funded opportunity supports research into accelerating and advancing nuclear science, including decommissioning relevant to Fukushima and Sellafield.

Applicants must be UK-based researchers employed by an eligible research organisation and collaborate with Japanese researchers. EPSRC will fund the UK-based research, while MEXT will fund the Japan-based research components.

Proposals…

Proposals must address issues in at least one of the four fields: radioactive waste treatment, packaging, and storage; robotic and autonomous systems for decommissioning; fuel debris and materials; or decommissioning technology. EPSRC will only fund the UK component of the research.

CycleiHow often this grant runs — e.g. annually, on a rolling basis, or a one-off call.One-off
Next deadlineiThe next date applications are due. Rolling means you can apply any time.8 Sept 2026
Decision timeiTypical time from the deadline to the funder's decision.—
Project durationiHow long the funded work is expected to run.1–36 months
Award typeiThe form of funding — grant, equity, loan, tax credit, etc.Grant
Match fundingiThe share of project costs you must cover yourself. 0% = fully funded.—
Funding pooliThe total budget available across all awards in this round.£950K

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Last verified: 27 Aug 2026Funder reference: ukri-post-194038Source: www.ukri.org