Structure and symmetries of the weak interaction in nuclear beta decay

The beta decay process offers unique possibilities to search for so-called exotic, non-standard model components in the weak interaction, and for testing its fundamental symmetries. Sensitive candidates for such studies are nuclei at or close to the N = Z line for which nuclear structure-related corrections are well under control. We present here an overview of the current status of this field and discuss prospects for further significant progress in the forthcoming years.