Germany is to undertake a structured phasing-out of power generation from nuclear energy. Until the last nuclear power plant is shut down, safety must be guaranteed in line with the very latest developments in science and technology. The R&D work performed is in accord with the resolution for the structured phasing-out of the use of nuclear power. The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) with its “Basic Energy Research 2020+” funding concept supplements institutionally funded work of Helmholtz Institutes in a few core areas to further extend co-operation with universities. Close coordination between institutional and project funding will be ensured via the Alliance for Competence in Nuclear Technology in Germany (“Kompetenzverbund Kerntechnik”). In the area of nuclear safety and disposal research, R&D is carried out on the scientific and technological aspects of safety in existing nuclear reactors, the safety of nuclear disposal, the minimisation of highly radioactive substances ultimately requiring disposal and radiation research. Special attention is to be paid within this concept to the funding of young scientists. In addition to doctorate posts in research projects, special funding instruments are to be offered to promote the next generation of scientists.

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