Preparations for the upcoming JT-60SA experimental campaign are gaining momentum. While technical teams are focused on completing the planned integrated commissioning on schedule, the Experiment Team is advancing the development of tools and software to maximize the scientific impact of the next operational phase.
Just ahead of the summer season, the 3rd JT-60SA Experiment Team Workshop was held at QST Naka from 27 to 31 July 2026, bringing together around 50 experts, including 20 participants from Europe representing EUROfusion laboratories, universities and Fusion for Energy (F4E). The workshop provided a valuable opportunity for European and Japanese researchers to strengthen collaboration, exchange expertise and advance preparations for the forthcoming experimental campaign.
A major focus of the workshop was training on the dedicated JT-60SA Human-Machine Interface (HMI), which will be used for a setup of future experiments. Following introductory lectures by QST experts, participants moved to the control room for hands-on training sessions, where they learned how to configure discharge parameters and prepare future experimental studies using the HMI. European participants received guidance from QST colleagues and, in turn, provided valuable feedback on the HMI functionality and usability.
during the opening session of the workshop. Credit: QST
EUROfusion continues to make a significant contribution to the development of advanced numerical tools, supporting the design of high-quality experiments on JT-60SA. During the workshop, Domenico Frattolillo (EPFL, Switzerland) and Carlo Sozzi (ISTP-CNR-Milan, Italy) presented the capabilities of the Pulse Design Simulator, a powerful platform that allows researchers to develop, test and optimise experimental and operational scenarios before their implementation in the HMI.
In addition to the training activities, the workshop covered several key scientific and operational topics, including plasma control strategies, data analysis and dedicated working sessions within the JT-60SA Topical Groups. The event concluded with presentations from new participants representing EUROfusion and Japanese universities, who shared their experiences from the HMI training and reported on the progress achieved during the workshop.
“As preparations continue across both the technical and scientific teams, this workshop marks another important milestone towards a successful JT-60SA experimental campaign”, said Maiko Yoshida, Experiment Leader. “The high level of engagement and collaboration throughout the week reflects the commitment of the Experiment Team to maximizing the scientific opportunities of the next operational phase.”
Yevgen Kazakov, EU Experiment Leader, highlighted the close integration of the European and Japanese teams: “It is very rewarding to see European and Japanese colleagues working together as one team. This workshop provided an excellent opportunity to exchange expertise in both directions, from QST’s Human-Machine Interface and analysis tools to EUROfusion’s analysis software and Pulse Design Simulator. This two-way exchange of knowledge is essential for the success of the next JT-60SA experimental campaign.”
