From July 15 to 25, 2024, I had the pleasure of attending the 61st
edition of the Plasma Physics Summer School held at Culham.
The Summer School was a unique opportunity to immerse myself in
the fundamentals of plasma physics and fusion technologies. Over
the two weeks, the program proved to be intensive but
exceptionally well-organized. The structure of the school included a
first week dedicated to fundamental topics, such as single particle
dynamics, MHD theory, kinetic and neoclassical theory. The second
week focused on the practical application of the concepts learned,
exploring advanced topics like the inertial confinement and the
turbulence in tokamaks. Each lecture, delivered by world-renowned
experts, was an opportunity to deepen my knowledge and interact
directly with the speakers, who were always available and ready to
answer our numerous questions.
One of the most engaging experiences was the visit to the JET,
MAST-U and RAL laboratories. Seeing the cutting-edge facilities and
understanding how the theory learned in class is applied in practice
was truly enlightening. These tours made the concepts studied
tangible and reinforced my passion for fusion physics.
But the Summer School was not just a technical learning
opportunity. Meeting people from all over the world and sharing
ideas and projects greatly enriched the experience. The evenings
spent with colleagues, the dinners, and the social activities created
a stimulating and friendly environment, where I had the pleasure of
forging new friendships and building valuable professional
connections.
The accommodation provided at the William Miller Building was
ideal: located just a short distance from Oxford city center, it
offered comfortable and well-equipped rooms, and the opportunity
to explore the city between lectures. This convenience made the
stay even more enjoyable.
In conclusion, the 61st Plasma Physics Summer School at Culham
was a stunning experience that significantly expanded my skills and
inspired me to continue with enthusiasm in my academic journey. A
great thank you to FuseNet for the crucial support that made this all
possible. I look forward to applying what I have learned to my
future work and research.