AbstractIn this paper the expected goals for the development of structural materials for fusion reactors and important nuclear-specific selection criteria are discussed. A short status of development is given and critical issues as well as necessary investigations are identified for the three major materials groups, the ferritic–martensitic steels, ceramic SiC/SiC composites and vanadium alloys. Proposals for a long-term development strategy are developed, including the use of existing irradiation facilities and an intense 14 MeV neutron source. The International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility (IFMIF), selected and recommended by the International Fusion Materials Community, is an appropriate and necessary test bed for the materials development.