Harnessing innovation in nuclear science, technology and radiation protection

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Programme Category

EU Competitive Programmes

Programme Name

Euratom Research and Training Programme

Programme Description

The Euratom Research and Training programme has the following specific objectives:

  • improve and support nuclear safety, security, safeguards, radiation protection, safe spent fuel and radioactive waste management and decommissioning, including the safe and secure use of nuclear power and of non-power applications of ionising radiation
    maintain and further develop expertise and competence in the nuclear field within the community
  • foster the development of fusion energy as a potential future energy source for electricity production and contribute to the implementation of the European fusion roadmap
  • support the policy of the EU and its members on continuous improvement of nuclear safety, safeguards and security
Programme Details

Identifier Code

HORIZON-EURATOM-2023-NRT-01-10

Call

Harnessing innovation in nuclear science, technology and radiation protection

Summary

This action aims to bring innovation, including via cross-fertilisation with other scientific and technical sectors, to radiation protection. This complements the PIANOFORTE European partnership in medical applications and emergency preparedness, alternative applications of nuclear energy, and risk communication with civil society and decision-makers.

Detailed Call Description

In terms of radiation protection and emergency preparedness, the PIANOFORTE partnership will be the main driving force for research for the coming 5 years, consolidating an EU-wide research and innovation community. The purpose of this action is to complement the PIANOFORTE partnership by fostering frontier research and testing novel ideas that can bring about a breakthrough innovation in the field. The proposals should complement, without duplicating, the research challenges addressed in the PIANOFORTE research roadmap.

Nuclear technologies could provide solutions that enable energy-intensive industries to develop and reduce their environmental footprint while remaining competitive. Nuclear has the potential to supply heat to homes, businesses and industrial processes, and produce hydrogen and synthetic fuels or non-electric commodities such as purified water or fertilisers.
Some non-electric applications for nuclear energy have been demonstrated and implemented by industry, but their full potential still needs to be demonstrated.
The Euratom-funded action should address the safety challenges related to developing and implementing non-electric applications for nuclear energy.

Concerning human health, there are many technologies in various fields of medical applications of ionising radiation. These include targeted radionuclide therapy, targeted therapies based on ion or proton therapy, new technologies for interventional imaging procedures and molecular imaging approaches, and the development of vaccines using irradiation techniques. The rapidly developing medical radiation technologies are becoming more complex and increasingly rely on automation, computerised decision support and AI-based systems. The Euratom-funded action should address the development of new quality assured nuclear techniques or optimisation of existing ones in the medical field.

Call Total Budget

€7.00 million

Financing percentage by EU or other bodies / Level of Subsidy or Loan

70%

Expected EU contribution per project: €3.50 million

Beneficiaries may provide financial support to third parties. The maximum amount to be granted to each third party is €60 000.

Approximate number of proposals: 2

Thematic Categories

  • Energy
  • Research, Technological Development and Innovation

Eligibility for Participation

  • Central Government
  • NGOs
  • Non Profit Organisations
  • Other Beneficiaries
  • Parliamentary Bodies
  • Private Bodies
  • Researchers/Research Centers/Institutions
  • Semi-governmental organisations
  • State-owned Enterprises
  • Training Centres

Eligibility For Participation Notes

The Joint Research Centre (JRC) may participate as member of the consortium selected for funding.

Call Opening Date

04/04/2023

Call Closing Date

08/11/2023

EU Contact Point

Contact:  RTD-EURATOM@ec.europa.eu

(Publish Date: 05/04/2023-for internal use only)