On November 24, the launch ceremony of the International Science Program on Fusion Burning Plasma by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), along with the release of the research plan for the BEST (Burning Plasma Experimental Superconducting Tokamak) Compact Fusion Energy Experimental Device, was held in the BEST facility hall at Hefei Future Science City. Scientists from more than ten countries, including France and the United Kingdom, jointly signed the Hefei Declaration on Fusion, calling on the global community to work together to ignite the “artificial sun.”

Scientists in the field of fusion research noted that after decades of cooperation and development, global fusion research has achieved a series of major breakthroughs. However, significant challenges remain, making it essential to pool the wisdom and strength of scientists worldwide and to carry out more pragmatic, close-knit, and open international exchanges and cooperation. They proposed promoting open collaboration and encouraging fusion researchers worldwide to conduct joint research in Hefei, in order to collectively create a promising future for fusion energy and realize humanity’s ultimate energy dream.

The Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of CAS will continue to advance the implementation of the International Science Program on Fusion Burning Plasma and promote open research on large-scale fusion facilities. Efforts will focus on building an open innovation ecosystem and a science and technology cooperation network with global competitiveness and international influence, working together with domestic and international peers in the fusion field to accelerate the transition of fusion research from scientific experimentation to engineering application, and making new and greater contributions to global fusion research.

Liu Weidong, Director General of the Bureau of International Cooperation of CAS, attended the event and announced the official launch of the CAS International Science Program on Fusion Burning Plasma.

Source: Chinese Academy of Sciences