The National Nuclear User Facility (NNUF) is a distributed centre of excellence in nuclear science and technology dedicated to the provision of national and internationally leading facilities.
It has two core activities:
- the operation of key facilities needed to undertake research and development for the operation and future development of nuclear plant in the UK
- the training of the next generation of nuclear scientists in core skills for the use of modern equipment.
The first round of NNUF funding provided facilities located in both national laboratories and universities.
Funding was now been made available for a second round of facilities as part of the NNUF phase two investment. Not all of this funding was allocated therefore, this additional call is being made in order to fill any remaining strategic gaps.
EPSRC is inviting eligible groups to submit proposals for equipment and facilities to carry out underpinning science and engineering research in nuclear fission.
Up to £23 million (£18.8 million of capital provision and £4.2 million resource budget – see funding section for details) is available to provide, refresh and update underpinning multi-user equipment with a primary focus on nuclear energy research on active samples across the UK.
How to apply
Submitting an application
Before submitting a full proposal applicants must send an intent to submit email to nnuf@epsrc.ukri.org stating:
- principal investigator name
- host institution and any other involved institutions
- facility or equipment being requested
- approximate cost.
Please note that this information will be considered as indicative only.
Full proposal submission
You should prepare and submit your proposal using the research councils’ Joint Electronic Submission system (Je-S).
When adding a new proposal, you should select:
- council: EPSRC
- document type: Standard Proposal/Outline Proposal/Fellowship Proposal
- scheme: Standard/Outline/Advanced Research Fellowship/…
- on the project details page you should select the ‘NNUF Phase 2a’ call.
Note that clicking ‘submit document’ on your proposal form in Je-S initially submits the proposal to your host organisation’s administration, not to EPSRC.
Please allow sufficient time for your organisation’s submission process between submitting your proposal to them and the call closing date.
EPSRC must receive your application by 2 September 2020 16:00.
Guidance on the types of support that may be sought and advice on the completion of the research proposal forms are given on the EPSRC website which should be consulted when preparing all proposals.
How we will assess your application
Proposals will be considered by the EPSRC energy team for remit requirements before being assessed by postal peer review and then assessed by an expert panel producing a rank ordered list.