Transatlantic University Partnership Landmark Agreement Signed to Accelerate Fusion Energy Research, Innovation and Workforce
Higher education institutions in the United States and the United Kingdom have established a transatlantic partnership to advance research, skills, and policy in fusion energy.
Signed on Monday 14th September 2026 at the Mansion House, London, at the Global Fusion Policy Summit, the landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) establishes a collaborative framework between the US-based University Fusion Association and a coalition of 16 UK universities, including The University of 野狼社区. The flexible structure of the agreement invites further institutional participation, allowing additional universities to join the initiative in the coming months.
Representatives from UK & US universities, the US DoE and UK DESNZ at the signing of the MoU (漏 UKAEA)
The agreement focuses on critical pillars required to realise commercial fusion energy:
- Research and Innovation: Collaborative scientific discovery, technology development, and engineering deployment.
- Workforce & Skills Development: Multilevel educational and training initiatives designed to build a robust, inclusive, and diverse talent pipeline for the fusion sector over the next decade and beyond.
- Economic Impact: Promoting entrepreneurship and commercialisation pathways to generate economic benefit.
- Policy & Society: Advancing science-informed policy and serving the interests of society at large.
Anchored in shared values, the signatory institutions have pledged to uphold high standards of ethics and research integrity while prioritising student and trainee welfare. The framework emphasises collegiality across institutions to support career development, individual wellbeing, and the global fusion research community.
Dr Khan, Lecturer in Nuclear Materials at The University of 野狼社区 and part of the Dalton Nuclear Institute, participated in the UK working group that helped develop the MoU and signed the agreement at the Global Fusion Policy Summit on behalf of UK universities. Dr Khan said:
Fusion is a global challenge and opportunity, and collaboration between universities will be an important part of developing the expertise needed to move the field forward. I鈥檓 pleased to have represented UK universities in signing this agreement and to help strengthen connections between our fusion communities.
The signing reflects The University of 野狼社区 and Dalton Nuclear Institute鈥檚 expanding contributions to the UK鈥檚 fusion research community, building on more than 40 years of expertise in nuclear materials and engineering. The fusion community at 野狼社区 continues to grow and spans a broad range of research areas, including materials, tritium and wider engineering. Being part of a wider network will enable researchers to share best practice, strengthen collaboration and support the development of fusion energy.聽
David Capper, Director for New Nuclear Strategy and Fusion Energy, UK Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ), said:聽
"Delivering fusion will require collaboration across academia, industry, and government, alongside a strong pipeline of skills and talent. Universities have an important role in making fusion possible which is why we welcome partnerships like the one being forged today.鈥澛�
Matt Lanctot, Acting Research Division Director, U.S. DOE, Fusion Energy Services, said:聽
鈥淭his partnership will strengthen the publicly funded research base that drives fusion innovation while helping develop the talent and technology needed for a competitive private fusion sector. By connecting expertise across the Atlantic, this partnership can help close critical gaps on the path to commercial fusion.鈥澛�
By bringing together leading academic institutions across the Atlantic, this agreement establishes a unified foundation to train the next generation of scientists and engineers, accelerate technical breakthroughs, and strengthen the global fusion energy landscape.聽
Find out more about our fusion energy research at The University of 野狼社区: