The LaserFusion Consortium is proud to announce its inaugural Intensive Program (IP1) on “Physics and Technology of Inertial Fusion Energy.” Hosted by the University of Bordeaux in France, this foundational educational and training school will take place from July 15 to 25, 2025.

As the first major event of the project, IP1 represents a significant milestone in LaserFusion’s mission to foster a new generation of scientists in the field of laser-driven fusion. The program is designed to provide a comprehensive and immersive learning experience, covering the entire spectrum from fundamental plasma physics to advanced laser-plasma interaction diagnostics.

A Foundational Curriculum for Future Leaders in Fusion

The 10-day program offers a rigorous and structured curriculum, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application to equip students with a robust understanding of the field. The schedule includes:

• Core Theoretical Lectures: Establishing a strong foundation in essential principles.
• Hands-on Practical Sessions: Allowing students to apply their knowledge in a controlled setting.
• Specialized Seminars: Delivered by leading experts from across the LaserFusion consortium.
• A Unique Facility Visit: An exclusive visit to the renowned Laser Mégajoule (LMJ), offering students a firsthand look at a world-class experimental facility.

To ensure an effective learning journey, the program will commence with an initial knowledge assessment and conclude with final evaluations. Participant feedback will be gathered to continuously refine and enhance the training offered by the consortium.

A Collaborative Effort from Across Europe

The program will welcome 18 highly selected students from the eight partner institutions that form the LaserFusion consortium:

• Université de Bordeaux (UBx), France (Host)
• Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU), Greece (Coordinator)
• Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Spain
• University of York (UoY), United Kingdom
• Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena (FSU), Germany
• Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Italy
• The Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI-ERIC)
• Institut Polytechnique de Paris (IPP), France

The academic coordination at the host site is managed by a core pedagogical team from the University of Bordeaux, comprising Professor João Jorge Santos, Professor Dimitri Batani, and Professor Emmanuel d’Humières. The teaching faculty is further enriched by dedicated seminar lectures delivered by experts from the partner organizations, ensuring a diverse and world-class educational experience.

This Intensive Program marks a critical step forward for the LaserFusion project, directly investing in the scientific talent and collaborative networks that are essential for advancing Inertial Fusion Energy from a promising concept to a tangible reality.