Energy production by nuclear fusion can be the breakthrough in the decarbonisation process, and high temperature superconductors (HTS) represent a game changer for the design of compact reactors. However, reduced size implies that the superconducting tapes will be exposed to an intense flux of neutrons and of secondary particles while carrying a high current; in order to employ HTS in compact fusion reactors it is therefore crucial to precisely assess the effects of irradiation on HTS tapes at the working conditions. To achieve this goal, researchers from different fields met at the IREF (IRradiation Effects on HTS for Fusion) workshop to discuss all the aspects of this topic. This roadmap paper, that reflects the common view of the participants, aims at condensing the outcome of the intense and thorough discussion that took place during the conference, providing a path for the investigation of irradiation effects in HTS to assess their limits of operation in a fusion radiation environment.