Tender

HALEU Deconversion Programme - PhD Call for Proposal

UNITED KINGDOM NATIONAL NUCLEAR LABORATORY

This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

02 Mar 2026 at 15:00

Tender Notice
Summary of the contracting process

The United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL) has issued a call for proposals titled "HALEU Deconversion Programme - PhD Call for Proposal" under the industry category of Research and Experimental Development Services. The procurement process is currently in the tender stage, with applications invited from UK universities to commence a PhD project by October 2026. This initiative supports the UK’s ambition to establish a secure supply of High-Assay Low Enriched Uranium. Interested parties must submit their applications by 27th March 2026. A clarification call hosted via Microsoft Teams aims to ensure all prospective bidders have a comprehensive understanding of the requirements. The project spans from October 2026 until March 2030, attracting global interest including British Overseas Territories, Europe, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, and the UK.

This tender provides substantial opportunities for UK universities to contribute to pivotal scientific advancement in the nuclear sector. Institutions focused on research and development, particularly those with doctoral programmes, are excellently positioned to compete. Given the open procurement method, it's an ideal opportunity for institutions with capacity in nuclear research, possibly fostering collaborative ventures in developing innovative solutions for uranium supply resilience. Universities seeking to enhance their research profiles and align with national strategic objectives in the energy sector would find this an advantageous engagement.

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Notice Information

Notice Title

HALEU Deconversion Programme - PhD Call for Proposal

Notice Description

The United Kingdom National Nuclear Laboratory (UKNNL) is inviting applications from UK Universities, to funding for a PhD project, to begin no later that October 2026. This project shall support the UK's ambition to establish a secure and resilient supply of High-Assay Low Enriched Uranium. UKNNL are particularly interested in those applications which are Supported by a Doctoral Focal Award. As the scope is R&D, the procurement is being undertaken under the Research and Development exemption under the Procurement Act 2023 ( Schedule 2). UKNNL intends to host a mid-tender clarification call via Microsoft Teams to provide further background on the requirement and address any questions from bidders and ensure a common understanding of the Call for Proposal. If you are interested in joining this call please visit the ticketing website to register your place: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/national-nuclear-laboratory/t-oeeenyx

Notice Details

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-b5fd17-b9f77034-2870-4e20-97be-69458544999e
Publication Source
Contracts Finder
Latest Notice
https://www.contractsfinder.service.gov.uk/Notice/c4866511-6939-419b-bbb2-c9a9a538aef8
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
Tender Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Services
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

73 - Research and development services and related consultancy services

CPV Codes

73100000 - Research and experimental development services

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
Not specified
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
2 Mar 20261 weeks ago
Submission Deadline
27 Mar 20262 weeks to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
30 Sep 2026 - 29 Mar 2030 3-4 years
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Not Specified
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Buyer & Supplier

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNITED KINGDOM NATIONAL NUCLEAR LABORATORY
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
WARRINGTON
Postcode
WA3 6AE
Post Town
Warrington
Country
England
Major Region (ITL 1)
TLD North West (England)
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLD6 Cheshire
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLD61 Warrington
Delivery Location
Not specified
Local Authority
Warrington
Electoral Ward
Birchwood
Westminster Constituency
Warrington North

Further Information

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts. 

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