FORUM ATOMIQUE EUROPEEN

Their core work

FORATOM is the Brussels-based trade association of the European nuclear energy industry, representing the sector's interests at EU level. In H2020 projects, they contribute industry-wide dissemination, policy roadmapping, and coordination between nuclear operators, regulators, and research organizations. Their role is to ensure that research outputs reach the nuclear industry and that workforce and infrastructure needs are reflected in EU programming. They bridge the gap between EU-funded research and the operational nuclear energy sector across Europe.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

FORATOM's early H2020 involvement centered on nuclear research strategy — programming R&I priorities and disseminating roadmaps through SNETP (the Sustainable Nuclear Energy Technology Platform). By the mid-to-late period, their focus broadened into workforce challenges (ENENplus) and then into digital transformation, joining the RIMA project on robotics for infrastructure inspection. This signals a shift from pure policy coordination toward the practical challenges facing the nuclear sector: talent shortages and the adoption of digital and robotic technologies for aging infrastructure.

FORATOM is moving from traditional nuclear advocacy toward digitalization and robotics applied to nuclear infrastructure — a valuable pivot for consortia addressing aging energy assets.

How they like to work

FORATOM operates exclusively as a participant, never leading projects — consistent with their role as an industry association that amplifies and disseminates rather than drives research. Despite only three projects, they have worked with 52 unique partners across 20 countries, indicating they join large, pan-European consortia and serve as a network multiplier. Their value to a consortium is access to the entire European nuclear industry rather than deep technical execution.

With 52 consortium partners across 20 countries from just 3 projects, FORATOM brings an exceptionally broad European network. Their connections span nuclear research organizations, universities, utilities, and technology providers across most EU member states.

What sets them apart

FORATOM is the single voice of the European nuclear energy industry at EU level, making them a uniquely positioned dissemination and industry engagement partner. No other organization can offer the same direct channel to nuclear operators, regulators, and industry associations across Europe. For any consortium needing nuclear sector buy-in or industry-wide dissemination of research results, FORATOM is the natural partner.

Highlights from their portfolio

• RIMA
  Their largest-funded project (EUR 55,750) and a strategic pivot — connecting FORATOM to the digital innovation hub ecosystem and robotics for infrastructure inspection.
• SPRINT
  Core to FORATOM's identity — directly shaped the SNETP research and innovation programming roadmap that influences EU nuclear R&D priorities.