CONNECT-NM: Euratom partnership for research on nuclear materials
CONNECT-NM is a partnership within Euratom focusing on research related to nuclear materials, primarily in-core structural materials, concrete, fuel cladding and fuel. The Swedish Radiation Safety Authority (SSM) participates in the partnership and leads the creation and management of an advisory body of European regulators. The goal is to facilitate dialogue between regulatory authorities and researchers, with a focus on nuclear safety from a regulatory perspective.
The CONNECT-NM partnership (Coordination of the European Research Community on Nuclear Materials for Energy Innovation) is based on a shared Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda. The work is organised into five research lines:
- Advanced materials development and manufacturing
- Materials and component qualification: testing, standardisation and design rules
- Non-destructive testing and materials health monitoring
- Advanced materials modelling and characterisation
- Knowledge and data management
Each research line is responsible for coordinating specific projects within its scope.
CONNECT-NM also organises transversal activities for the benefit of all projects, such as: coordination and management, education and training and access to research infrastructures, communication, dissemination of results and data management.
Timeline and international collaboration in CONNECT-NM
CONNECT-NM is scheduled to run for five years (from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2029) and involves 18 countries. The total budget is €36 million, of which €20 million (55%) is funded by Euratom, with the remaining €16 million provided through national co-funding.
The partnership will collaborate with international organisations and bodies working in safety, standardisation and data processing. CONNECT-NM will also engage with stakeholders in fusion energy and non-nuclear energy. All activities are harmonised with national and European initiatives to strengthen research, development and innovation, while avoiding fragmentation and duplication of efforts. Industry, technical support organisations (TSOs), and regulatory authorities are expected to contribute as advisory partners, providing an end-user perspective.
Advisory body for European regulators
SSM will lead the efforts to create an advisory body of European regulators, known as the Board of Regulators (BoR). BoR will engage in ongoing dialogue with representatives of the partnership and provide feedback from a regulatory perspective.
Swedish participants in CONNECT-NM
Participants from Sweden include SSM (as Beneficiary), along with the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) and Chalmers University of Technology (both Affiliated Entities). Additional partners may join the partnership in the future through Open Calls.
Purpose of SSM’s participation in CONNECT-NM
SSM’s participation in CONNECT-NM aims to enable Swedish research groups to take part in European collaborative research and access funding from the EU’s research budget. Participation also allows Sweden to influence research priorities, strengthen national competence, and benefit from the research outcomes.
The EU finances between 50% and 100% of the costs for activities undertaken by SSM and other Swedish participants within CONNECT-NM.
Questions about Euratom partnerships?
If you have any questions or are interested in Euratom partnerships, please contact SSM’s Head of Research, Per Seltborg, at per.seltborg@ssm.se.