Monday, June 5, 2023
2.30 p.m. – 4.45 p.m.
Auditorium, B20, or watch online
KAUST’s Extreme Computing Research Center and Program in Applied Physics are sponsoring an immersive Fusion Fest on the afternoon of June 5, 2023. The program, which is designed to attract KAUST talent to address key challenges in bringing about commercially profitable “green” fusion power, consists of two live lectures by Professor Amitava Bhattacharjee and a hybrid live-virtual panel discussion (with Q&A) about a pathway to the realization of a commercial stellarator.
The first lecture targets faculty, researchers and students, whereas the second lecture and the panel discussion target (in addition to researchers) the managers of research portfolios and potential investors in what many expect to become the dominant source of energy engineered for human use in the 21st century.
Lecture 1: Hidden Symmetries and Fusion Energy
2.30 – 3.30 p.m., including a Q&A
Amitava Bhattacharjee, Professor of Astrophysical Sciences, Princeton University
The most compelling transformational use of magnetically confined, high-temperature plasma is to realize sustained fusion energy. More information about the lecture can be found here.
Lecture 2: The Coming Dawn of Commercial Fusion Energy
3.45 – 4.15 p.m.
Amitava Bhattacharjee, Professor of Astrophysical Sciences, Princeton University
Generating fusion power from a stellarator is an exciting scientific and engineering challenge that promises to produce a stable, green and a nearly perennial energy source for mankind. More information about the lecture can be found here.
Panel Discussion:
A Roadmap for Bringing to Earth the Energy of the Stars
4.15 – 4.45 p.m.
Amitava Bhattacharjee, Professor of Astrophysical Sciences, Princeton University
Michael Zarnstorff (joining virtually), Chief Scientist, Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory
Spencer Pitcher (joining virtually), Fusion Technology Principal Engineer, ITER
Richard Carty (joining virtually), Chairman, Stellarex Inc
Starting from near zero in 2023, is there a window for KAUST and Saudi Arabia to enter and quickly become major players in fusion energy by partnering with existing fusion expertise? A panel of experts will discuss and take questions. More information can be found here.
For more information about the event and the speakers, please visit the website or email.
