The LaserFusion Consortium is pleased to announce the third event in its acclaimed training series: a 5-day research school on “Physics and Technology of Inertial Fusion Energy,” to be hosted by the Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena (FSU) in Jena, Germany, from February 16 to 20, 2026.

Following the successful foundational school in Bordeaux and the specialized diagnostics course in Pisa, this Jena event will sharpen the focus on a critical technological pillar: the high-energy, high-efficiency laser systems required to drive fusion reactions. This advanced training course is designed for postgraduate students (MSc and PhD level) and aims to bridge the gap between fusion physics and the advanced laser source technology that makes it possible.

As with previous events, participation is targeted at a select group of postgraduate students from the eight partner institutions of the LaserFusion consortium. A competitive selection process will be managed internally by each partner. Interested PhD and MSc candidates are urged to contact the key person at their respective institution for application details.

The flyer of the school can been found here

About LaserFusion: This Erasmus+ project aims to build a strong, interconnected European research community in Laser Inertial Fusion Energy through innovative education and training, uniting expertise from eight leading institutions.

The LaserFusion Consortium Partners:

• Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena (FSU), Germany (Host)

• Hellenic Mediterranean University (HMU), Greece (Coordinator)

• Université de Bordeaux (UBx), France

• Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM), Spain

• University of York (UoY), United Kingdom

• Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR), Italy

• The Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI-ERIC)

• Institut Polytechnique de Paris (IPP), France

The LaserFusion Consortium successfully concluded its second specialized training event, a 5-day course on “Physics and Technology of Inertial Fusion Energy,” at the National Institute of Optics of the National Research Council (INO-CNR) in Pisa, Italy. The intensive program, which ran from November 3 to 7, 2025, provided 20 postgraduate students with deep, hands-on expertise in the critical field of plasma diagnostics.

Following the foundational Bordeaux school, the Pisa course marked a strategic shift to advanced, application-focused training. The curriculum was dedicated to the sophisticated diagnostic techniques required to probe the extreme states of matter in laser-driven fusion experiments, blending cutting-edge theory with indispensable practical skills.

A Curriculum Forged in Theory and Practice

The course offered a balanced and immersive experience:

• Expert-Led Theory: Participants engaged with a comprehensive lecture series delivered by INO-CNR’s leading scientists, covering laser-plasma interaction, proton probing via TNSA, X-ray diagnostics, parametric instabilities, laser diagnostics, and interferometry.

• Consortium Insights: The theoretical foundation was broadened by seven specialized seminars from researchers across the LaserFusion partner network, highlighting diverse European perspectives and ongoing research frontiers.

• Hands-On Laboratory Core: The defining element of the week was the direct, practical training in key experimental techniques. Under expert guidance, the 16 MSc and PhD students conducted hands-on sessions in:

  1. Wavefront reconstruction of a He-Ne laser and phase plate analysis.

  2. Precision alignment of Off-Axis Parabolic (OAP) mirrors.

  3. Investigating wavefront changes induced by mechanical stress on mounted optics.

The selected participants, representing the consortium’s eight partner institutions, formed a dynamic and collaborative group. Their active involvement in labs and seminars fostered not only individual learning but also strengthened the professional network essential for future collaborative research in European fusion science.

The successful completion of the Pisa Diagnostic Course represents another concrete step in LaserFusion’s mission. By sequentially building from broad principles to specialized skills, the consortium is creating a structured pathway for developing expert researchers.

For more information on the concluded course, visit:
https://registrazioneeventi.cnr.it/event/138/

Following the success of its inaugural school in Bordeaux, the LaserFusion Consortium is pleased to announce its second training event: a specialized 5-day course on “Physics and Technology of Inertial Fusion Energy.” This intensive program will be hosted by the National Institute of Optics of the National Research Council (INO-CNR) in Pisa, Italy, from November 3 to 7, 2025.

This advanced course is designed specifically for postgraduate students, focusing on the critical role of diagnostics in Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) experiments. It will provide an in-depth look at the techniques used to measure and understand the extreme conditions within laser-driven plasmas, a cornerstone of fusion research.

A Deep Dive into Fusion Diagnostics

The curriculum is able to bridge theoretical knowledge with practical application. Participants will engage with:

• Expert Lecture Series: INO-CNR’s renowned scientists will deliver a comprehensive lecture series on key diagnostic topics, including:
• Laser-Plasma Interaction (M. Salvadori)
• Target Normal Sheath Acceleration (TNSA) for proton probing (A. Macchi)
• X-ray Diagnostics (P. Koester)
• Parametric Instabilities (G. Cristoforetti)
• Laser Diagnostics (L. Labate)
• Interferometry (F. Brandi)
• Consortium Seminars: The curriculum will be further enriched by seven specialized seminars delivered by researchers from the other LaserFusion partner institutions, offering a broad perspective on the latest European research.

• Hands-On Laboratory Experience: A defining feature of the course will be its practical sessions, where participants will gain direct experience with essential experimental techniques. The hands-on activities will include:

1. Wavefront reconstruction of a He-Ne laser and analysis of phase plates.
2. Alignment of Off-Axis Parabolic (OAP) mirrors and a laboratory tour.
3. Mounting optics and observing wavefront changes due to mechanical stress.

The program will welcome 20 highly selected students from the eight partner institutions that form the LaserFusion consortium.

For more information and registration details, please visit:
https://registrazioneeventi.cnr.it/event/138/

The LaserFusion Consortium successfully concluded its inaugural Intensive Program (IP1) on “Physics and Technology of Inertial Fusion Energy” on July 25, 2025, at the University of Bordeaux. This landmark event, which ran from July 15-25, marked a significant achievement for the project, bringing together 18 selected students and leading experts from across Europe for an immersive educational experience.

Over ten intensive days, the program provided a comprehensive journey through the field of inertial fusion. The curriculum seamlessly blended core theoretical lectures with hands-on practical sessions and specialized seminars, covering topics from fundamental plasma physics to advanced laser-plasma interaction diagnostics.

A highlight of the program was a visit to the Laser Mégajoule (LMJ) facility, offering participants a unique, behind-the-scenes look at one of the world’s most powerful laser systems and its critical role in fusion research.

The academic program was steered by a core pedagogical team from the host institution, the University of Bordeaux, comprising Professor João Jorge Santos, Professor Dimitri Batani, and Professor Emmanuel d’Humières. Their efforts were complemented by dedicated seminars from renowned experts representing the entire consortium, ensuring a rich and diverse learning experience.

The 18 participants, selected from a competitive pool of applicants from the partner institutions, underwent initial assessments and a series of final evaluations, demonstrating a significant advancement in their understanding of the subject matter. Their valuable feedback, gathered through a comprehensive survey, will be instrumental in shaping future LaserFusion training initiatives.

By equipping these future scientists with deep technical knowledge and a powerful professional network, the LaserFusion consortium has taken a decisive step toward its goal of strengthening European capacity in inertial fusion research. The conclusion of IP1 is not an end, but a beginning—the start of a new wave of innovation driven by a connected and highly skilled generation of researchers.

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.