Nuclear fusion: how scientists can turn latest breakthrough into a new clean power source

Huge challenges remain before working fusion reactors are possible.

John Pasley, Senior Lecturer of Physics, University of York • conversation
Dec. 14, 2022 ~9 min

Why fusion ignition is being hailed as a major breakthrough in fusion – a nuclear physicist explains

The promise of abundant, clean energy powered by nuclear fusion is one big step closer thanks to a new experiment. The results are a historic scientific milestone, but energy production remains a ways off.

Carolyn Kuranz, Associate Professor of Nuclear Engineering, University of Michigan • conversation
Dec. 14, 2022 ~8 min


Why nuclear fusion is so exciting

Harvard scientist Adam Cohen breaks down breakthrough that might prove major turning point in clean energy efforts — but not any time soon.

Clea Simon • harvard
Dec. 13, 2022 ~7 min

Machine learning facilitates “turbulence tracking” in fusion reactors

A new approach sheds light on the behavior of turbulent structures that can affect the energy generated during fusion reactions, with implications for reactor design.

Adam Zewe | MIT News Office • mit
Nov. 1, 2022 ~8 min

Liang Fu and Patrick Lee receive Larkin Awards in Theoretical Physics

Inaugural award goes to MIT condensed matter theory professors of physics.

Sandi Miller | Department of Physics • mit
Oct. 31, 2022 ~4 min

MIT students contribute to success of historic fusion experiment

Students are part of large team that achieved fusion ignition for the first time in a laboratory.

Plasma Science and Fusion Center • mit
Sept. 6, 2022 ~4 min

Evan Leppink: Seeking a way to better stabilize the fusion environment

In a residency supported by the Department of Energy, the MIT PhD candidate will explore the high-field side of the DIII-D tokamak.

Paul Rivenberg | Plasma Science and Fusion Center • mit
June 15, 2022 ~5 min

How the universe got its magnetic field

By studying the dynamics of plasma turbulence, MIT researchers are helping to solve one of the mysteries of the origins of cosmological magnetic fields.

Martin Greenwald | Plasma Science and Fusion Center • mit
May 25, 2022 ~8 min


MIT expands research collaboration with Commonwealth Fusion Systems to build net energy fusion machine, SPARC

New five-year agreement will support SPARC science, increase graduate students and postdocs, and support interdisciplinary work toward fusion power plants.

Plasma Science and Fusion Center • mit
May 10, 2022 ~6 min

Machine learning, harnessed to extreme computing, aids fusion energy development

Linking techniques from machine learning with advanced numerical simulations, MIT researchers take an important step in state-of-the-art predictions for fusion plasmas.

Martin Greenwald | Plasma Science and Fusion Center • mit
April 27, 2022 ~7 min

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