CONNECT-NM is the co-funded European partnership dedicated to advancing research, development, and innovation in the field of nuclear materials. More specifically, CONNECT-NM pursues a paradigm shift in nuclear materials research, from ‘observe and qualify’ to ‘design and control’.

Coordinated by CIEMAT, CONNECT-NM aligns with the priorities of the Euratom Research and Training programme (work-programme 2023-2025), the EU’s financial vehicle for nuclear research and innovation under which this partnership is funded, among which are to strengthen the safety and sustainability of nuclear energy.

In order to advance Europe’s clean energy transition and climate neutrality objectives, projections from the Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) of the Organisation for the Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) conclude that the world nuclear energy capacity should at least double and potentially triple by 2050. Of key importance to this end are nuclear materials, the central focus of CONNECT-NM’s efforts, due to their essential role in advancing the efficiency, economy, safety and sustainability of nuclear energy itself.

In essence, by uniting leading research institutions, promoting knowledge sharing, and nurturing the joint and coordinated exploitation of national competences, facilities and infrastructures, this partnership is set to position Europe at the forefront of nuclear materials innovation.