CONNECT-NM (Coordination of the European Research Community on Nuclear Materials for Energy Innovation) is a co-funded European Partnership under the Euratom Research and Training Programme. Launched in October 2024 and coordinated by CIEMAT, the initiative aims to accelerate innovation in nuclear materials (NM) across all reactor generations, supporting the EU's transition to sustainable, low-carbon energy sources.
CONNECT-NM seeks to shift nuclear materials research from the traditional "observe and qualify" approach to a modern "design and control" paradigm. This transformation is facilitated by integrating advanced digital technologies such as machine learning, high-performance computing, and digital twins into materials science practices. The partnership focuses on five strategic goals:
1) Creating a comprehensive nuclear materials knowledge organization system.
2) Developing nuclear materials acceleration platforms.
3) Establishing test-beds for accelerated nuclear materials qualification.
4) Implementing intelligent nuclear materials health monitoring systems.
5) Advancing predictive methodologies for nuclear materials behavior during operation.
These objectives are pursued through five research lines encompassing: data management, advanced materials development, qualification and standardization, non-destructive examination, modeling and characterization. Each research line coordinates projects selected via open calls, ensuring alignment with CONNECT-NM's overarching goals.
The partnership emphasizes collaboration among industry stakeholders, research institutions, and regulators to enhance nuclear safety, efficiency, and sustainability. By fostering coordinated use of European research infrastructures and avoiding duplication of efforts, CONNECT-NM aims to streamline the development and qualification of nuclear materials, ultimately reducing time-to-market for innovative solutions.
With a total budget of approximately €36 million, including nearly €20 million in EU contributions, CONNECT-NM represents a significant investment in the future of nuclear energy. Its activities are designed to support the long-term operation of existing reactors and the development of advanced reactor designs, contributing to the EU's decarbonization targets and energy security.
For more information, visit the CORDIS project page or the CONNECT-NM official website: www.connect-nm.eu. See also:
https://doi.org/10.1051/epjn/2025029(odnośnik otworzy się w nowym oknie).
