Reorganization Overview
In response to evolving project demands and the need for specialized focus areas, the EUROfusion PMU has transitioned from two existing R&D departments to four newly defined departments. These departments will have permeable boundaries to ensure optimal collaboration.
Ambrogio Fasoli, the EUROfusion Programme Manager, emphasized that the reorganization is a strategic move to increase openness and visibility of ITER exchanges and innovation, including digitalization. The decision to split the existing departments into four was driven by the need to streamline and enhance the implementation of the EUROfusion roadmap. This roadmap includes both short-term developments (such as the Volumetric Neutron Source or VNS) and longer-term efforts (like the full design and preparation of fusion power plant options).
The new structure is expected to provide more focused support for crucial programmatic elements, including inputs to ITER and the lessons learned from it. The changes aim to foster a collaborative environment that allows for effective cross-functional actions covering both science and engineering.
New Departments and Heads
EUROfusion’s new R&D Departments and Department Heads are:
Plasma Science for ITER DEMO and Stellarators
- New Head: Marco Wischmeier
- Previous Role: Marco previously served as Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics in Garching, focusing on plasma boundary physics, interpretative modelling of particle and power exhaust, and plasma-wall interaction studies. Additionally, he was the Task Force Leader for the Work Package Tokamak Exploitation (WPTE) for EUROfusion.
- Role and Vision: This department focuses on scientific activities to support and learn from tokamaks and stellarators, including plasma-wall interaction studies and the application of numerical codes to support experiments as well as to promote extrapolations to future devices.
Marco Wischmeier: “I have a complimentary and integrative perspective about research. A strong interlink between leading experiments and applying complex numerical codes for their interpretation has been my scientific basis. Integrating efficiently the medium sized tokamaks, JT-60SA and the JET analysis programs in support of preparing ITER operation as well as identifying physics issues relevant to the design of DEMO is my focus.
The EUROfusion roadmap missions for plasma regimes of operation, heat exhaust systems and stellarator physics can be achieved by building on the strengths as well as the diversity of each facility, including the exchange with non-European partners and ITER. Additionally, identifying the physics gaps and possible paths to overcome these towards a stellarator-based reactor need to be stimulated across EUROfusion.
The Plasma Science Department, PSD, needs to be project oriented to, in conjunction with the Research Units, fulfil the goals set by the EUROfusion roadmap while supporting training and education across all levels of career development of the involved scientists. Our research involves strong and diverse individuals.
It is my vision to weld the scientists and work packages contributing to the Plasma Science Department into a team aiming at achieving the ambitious goals set by the grant agreement together. To this purpose I want to improve the feeling of participation by facilitating the exchange of information on physics results, promoting excellence and by creating an open and honest atmosphere. Together we need to define a positive work environment and provide orientation.”
Digital Solutions for Fusion
-
Volker Naulin – personal photo New Head: Volker Naulin
- Previous Role: Volker was the head of the EUROfusion Fusion Science Department.
- Role and Vision: This department is responsible for the development and application of digital tools and services for fusion, including Advanced Computing Hubs, AI code development, computational resources, and hardware support.
Volker Naulin: “I am thrilled to lead our new “Digital Solutions for Fusion” department at EUROfusion. This initiative represents a transformative opportunity to advance our shared vision of bringing fusion energy to the grid as soon as possible. Our mission encompasses groundbreaking advancements in the digital realm, including data acquisition and storage, engineering codes, visualization, and the cutting-edge application of machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Recently, we have enhanced EUROfusion’s activities by launching additional projects focused on machine learning and AI. These efforts aim to unlock the full potential of our endeavours by collaborating with new communities and, where beneficial, private companies. Starting with the Work Packages ENR and AC, I am committed to the hard work needed to realize Ambrogio’s vision for “Digital Solutions for Fusion.”
As a first step, I will hold meetings with stakeholders to define the setup of our new department. Our initial structure will include the topics of Data, Infrastructure, Development and Application. Importantly, our department will embrace both digital innovations and traditional “analogue” theory, valuing Pen and Paper methods alongside advanced technologies.
Achieving this ambitious vision requires the right resources. With the support of our programme manager, I am confident that we can build a powerhouse for digital solutions. Our new department will transparently collaborate with other departments, driving forward together towards our shared goal of fusion energy.”
ITER Technology and DEMO Preparation
- New Head: Gianfranco Federici
- Previous Role: Gianfranco was previously the head of the EUROfusion Fusion Technology Department.
- Role and Vision: The focus here is on technology activities to support and learn from ITER, emphasizing elements that need urgent Technology Readiness Level (TRL) strengthening. This includes preparation for ITER technology operations, feasibility studies, and design developments such as VNS and the first phase of DEMO.
Gianfranco Federici: “In my capacity as the Head of the ITER Technology and DEMO Preparation Department, our focus is multifaceted. We aim to support ITER’s design and technological advancements, integrating critical lessons learned from its construction to enhance our engineering design and safety principles. Collaboration with ITER on developing Codes & Standards and spearheading the creation of the ITER Design Handbook are essential components of our Knowledge Management Transfer strategy. We are also deeply engaged in feasibility assessments and advancing the critical enabling technologies for the Volumetric Nuclear Source (VNS) and DEMO, such as the blanket, fuel cycle, remote handling, and magnets. Furthermore, I am dedicated to fostering the next generation of fusion engineers and leaders, facilitating their transition into industry partnerships, and ensuring a robust future for fusion technology.”
Innovation DEMO and Fusion Power Plants
- New Head: Joelle Elbez-Uzan
- Previous Role: Joelle has been a key figure in fusion power plant development projects. After having granted the nuclear license of ITER in 2012, she has developed the basics of safety design engineering activities and nuclear safety for fusion machines. Since she joined EUROfusion, she has been in charge of the design development and improvements of DEMO as well as of safety demonstration. More recently, she chaired a group of nuclear safety experts which recommended set of activities to simplify the licensing process of future fusion plant.
- Role and Vision: This department covers activities for DEMO and advancements towards preparing power plant options. It focuses on strategic programmatic elements, design developments, and technology maturation of key systems such as breeding blankets, magnetic cage, fuel cycle including diagnostics and control, materials, IFMIF-DONES, electrical systems, BoP (Balance of Plant), safety and environment, and heating and current drive.
Joelle Elbez-Uzan: “Innovation, collaboration, and transparency are at the core of our mission in the Innovation, DEMO, and Fusion Power Plants Department. Our focus includes developing innovative technologies and licensing approaches, fostering nuclear design for DEMO, and preparing for fusion power plant implementation. We aim to build strong partnerships with the private sector to share knowledge and drive advancements. By maintaining skilled resources and proving technology ‘on shell,’ we are dedicated to establishing a robust fusion engineering market. Together, we make fusion work for a sustainable future.”
Conclusion
Ambrogio Fasoli expressed his optimism about the future of EUROfusion under the new departmental structure. “The reorganization of the EUROfusion PMU marks a pivotal step towards optimizing our scientific and technical operations. I am confident that with the new leadership and dedicated teams in place, we will advance our mission with renewed focus and vigour, driving forward towards achieving sustainable fusion energy.”