From 4–6 November 2025, more than 120 EUROfusion scientists—including 40 on-site participants—gathered at the Swiss Plasma Center (SPC) in Lausanne for the Work Package Tokamak Exploitation (WPTE) General Programme Meeting.
The meeting’s purpose was clear: to set the scientific priorities for the next two years, shaping fusion research activities through the conclusion of the European Framework Programme 9 (FP9).
The event began with a comprehensive status review from representatives of EUROfusion’s major tokamak facilities, providing updates on operational timelines for the ASDEX Upgrade (AUG), MAST-U, WEST, and TCV devices. Key developments included a delayed restart of AUG in 2026 and planned installation of a new Tight Baffle Long Leg Divertor in TCV—an important step forward in advanced plasma control.
Over the following days, around 200 experiment proposals were evaluated by Task Force Leaders, illustrating the remarkable pace of innovation in magnetic confinement fusion. The discussions highlighted how coordinated European research continues to refine fusion plasma scenarios and strengthen collaboration among research teams.
A central focus of the meeting was the analysis and modeling of data from JET, Europe’s -now shut down – flagship fusion experiment, ensuring that the valuable legacy of JET continues to inform future research. The meeting concluded with a forward-looking session on JT-60SA, preparing for the OP2 experimental campaign scheduled to begin next year.
By defining experimental campaigns and fostering discussion, the meeting plays a crucial role in coordinating fusion research across Europe. It ensures that research efforts are aligned, resources are optimized, and European scientists continue advancing toward the realization of fusion energy.