The Fuels and Materials Research (FMR) laboratory provides the scientific basis for the objective assessment and modelling of the safety related behaviour of nuclear materials. The main activities involve the synthesis and characterisation of actinide-containing materials. Standard and advanced techniques for sample synthesis, materials characterization and property determination are employed. These include sol-gel precipitation, powder blending and pressing, conventional or spark plasma sintering, encapsulation techniques, X-ray diffraction, vibrational spectroscopy (Raman and infra-red), electron microscopy (scanning and transmission) and focused ion beam, drop and differential scanning calorimetry, Knudsen cell effusion mass spectrometry, electro-motive force analysis, dilatometry, indentation, laser flash methods for the measurement of thermal properties, laser melting, etc. FMR is hosted and operated by the European Commission, JRC, Unit G.I.3 and is part of the Actinide User Laboratory (ActUsLab) and JRC Open Access programme. Eligible Users submit proposals that are assessed by a Panel of Experts and selected on the basis of scientific merit and other criteria (see calls for proposals). Access to the research infrastructure is granted on the basis of 'Measurement days'. Approval of access is subject to the rules of the European Commission, the Joint Research Centre and the German authorities.