Experience at EPFL’s "Control & Operations of Tokamaks" Course 

Participating in the "Control & Operations of Tokamaks" course at EPFL was an enriching experience, both academically and personally. The course provided a deep dive into the world of tokamak control, covering both theoretical foundations of control and real applications, crucial for magnetic confinement fusion research. 

From the academic perspective, the course was very well-structured, offering insights into the fundamental principles of plasma control, like governing shape and position control in tokamaks, but also equilibrium reconstruction codes. Understanding how theoretical models translate into practical control strategies was particularly fascinating, as it bridged the gap between pure scientific knowledge and engineering implementation. The opportunity to analyze and apply control algorithms to experimental scenarios was invaluable in reinforcing my comprehension of the subject. 

Beyond the technical aspects, the course also provided a unique personal experience. Interacting with fellow students from diverse backgrounds resulted in engaging discussions. Moreover, meeting professionals actively working on the TCV tokamak in Lausanne offered an inspiring glimpse into the operational challenges and advancements in the field. A highlight of the experience was the guided tour of the TCV facility, where we had the chance to see firsthand the hardware and control systems. 

Overall, this course  allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals and gain an appreciation for the collaborative effort behind tokamak control operations. The experience has not only deepened my knowledge but also reinforced my enthusiasm for contributing to this exciting field in the future. 

Gabriele Ferrari