The UFA includes institutions such as Caltech, Columbia University, Cornell University, MIT, University of California (Berkeley, Davis, Irvine, Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Barbara), and University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
Professor Arunodaya Bhattacharya, Chair in Fusion Energy at the University of Birmingham, said: "Fusion remains one of the most anticipated long-term clean energy technologies with the potential to provide large quantities of reliable, low-carbon electricity. This landmark agreement brings together key British universities and our American counterparts, forging a transatlantic partnership to drive progress in fusion energy.
"Our collaboration highlights the need to develop the people and talent required for a robust, inclusive and diverse fusion workforce over the coming decade and beyond. It will help the UK and US create the ecosystem needed for future fusion power plants."
Global fusion leadership
The University of Birmingham is a global leader in fusion materials. Recently, Professor Bhattacharya joined the Steering Committee of the international MatDB4Fusion initiative, which aims to accelerate fusion energy development through improved access to high-quality materials data. Birmingham is currently the only university in the world represented on the programme.
Professor Rachel O’Reilly MBE, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) at the University of Birmingham, said: “The University of Birmingham is renowned for its fusion research and training. We are proud to join this international effort to develop the technologies, talent and partnerships required to make commercial fusion power a reality.”
David Capper, Director for New Nuclear Strategy and Fusion Energy, UK Department for Energy Security & Net Zero (DESNZ) said: “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."
An initial 16 UK universities will take part, but the flexible structure of the agreement invites further institutional participation, allowing additional universities to join the initiative in the coming months.
Matthew Lanctot, Acting Research Division Director, US Department of Energy (DoE), Fusion Energy Services, said: “This 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.”
