The inaugural meeting of the Controllable Nuclear Fusion Engineering Innovation Research Institute, a joint initiative between HEU and the Institute of Energy at the Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, took place on August 26 in the conference room on the 8th floor of the main building. LI Jiangang, an academician of the CAE, president of the Institute of Energy, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, and a 1978 alumnus of HEU, was appointed as a part-time strategic scientist and president of the Innovation Research Institute at HEU.
HEU President Song Yingdong, Vice President Yu Zhiwen, and Vice President Yin Jingwei attended the meeting, with Vice President Yin presiding. Representatives from relevant teaching and research units and functional departments were also present.
In his speech, SONG Yingdong emphasized that China's research and development in controllable nuclear fusion technology is advancing from theoretical research to engineering practice. He urged HEU to seize this opportunity by optimizing its approach, focusing on core controllable nuclear fusion technologies, and fostering interdisciplinary integration with fields such as intelligent control, power systems, and computer science. He expressed hope that the Controllable Nuclear Fusion Engineering Innovation Research Institute would become a model research institution and a benchmark for collaboration, contributing significantly to the advancement of nuclear power and the development of clean, low-carbon, safe, and efficient fusion energy.
LI Jiangang noted that controllable nuclear fusion technology is progressing rapidly worldwide, with many countries accelerating their technological research. He highlighted that China is at a crucial stage of moving towards engineering applications of this technology, with a pressing need for breakthroughs and talent development. LI emphasized that the establishment of the Controllable Nuclear Fusion Engineering Innovation Research Institute and the launch of the Controllable Nuclear Fusion Engineering-Characteristic Experimental Class would help cultivate top-tier talent and drive new advancements in the field.
During the ceremony, SONG Yingdong presented the appointment letter for strategic scientist to Academician LI Jiangang.
SONG Yingdong and LI jointly unveiled the plaque for the Controllable Nuclear Fusion Engineering Innovation Research Institute.
SONG Yingdong awarded appointment letters to Academician LI Jiangang, Researcher DING Rui, and TAN Sichao.
The Innovation Research Institute, a new campus research institution created by HEU, aims to address future energy demands and focus on controllable nuclear fusion. It represents a key effort by HEU to drive disciplinary development. Researcher DING Rui from the Institute of Plasma Physics, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and TAN Sichao, Dean of the College of Nuclear Science and Technology, were appointed as Vice Presidents of the Institute.
In the afternoon, Academician LI Jiangang delivered the inaugural lecture for HEU's first Nuclear Engineering and Nuclear Technology (Future Leaders) Experimental Class. Titled "Supporting the Future Sun: Current Status and Future Prospects of Magnetic Constrained Nuclear Fusion Development," LI shared insights from his research, explained the fundamental principles, current developments, and future prospects of controllable nuclear fusion, and answered students' questions. His lecture deepened the students' understanding of nuclear fusion and reinforced their determination to achieve technological advancements.
