Commission launches fusion training scheme with call for proposals
The European Commission has published a call for proposals for its Euratom Fusion Training Scheme under the Sixth Framework Programme (FP6). This training scheme will support up to 100 person years of training in the field of fusion energy research with a budget of eight million euro. The scheme is open to consortia of organisations involved in the European fusion programme proposing training programmes accessible to experienced researchers, post graduates and engineers. The scheme is expected to play a significant role in enhancing the already successful European Fusion Research Area by strengthening collaborations between research organisations, integrating researchers from the new EU Member States and transferring knowledge and know-how between research laboratories and industry on a wide range of fusion science and technology fields. All of these activities will support the international thermonuclear experimental reactor (ITER) project. The trainees selected by the successful consortia will be in a good position to participate in ITER's construction and operation. Europe is a world leader in fusion energy research, but continued success, as in any scientific discipline, can only be guaranteed with the availability of high calibre researchers. With the start of ITER imminent, it is now critically important to maintain and develop further the specialised skills needed for fusion energy research.To see the full details of the call, please consult the following web address: http://fp6.cordis.lu/fp6/call_details.cfm?CALL_ID=247(opens in new window) For further information on the European Fusion Programme, please visit: http://europa.eu.int/comm/research/energy/fu/article_1122_en.htm(opens in new window) http://www.iter.org/(opens in new window)