This summer I attended the 62nd Plasma Physics Summer School, a two-week programme hosted at 
the UKAEA Culham Campus including sessions at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. The school 
brought together students and researchers from across Europe to explore the fundamentals and 
applications of plasma physics, with a focus on both magnetic and inertial confinement fusion.
One of the aspects I enjoyed most was the networking. It was inspiring to meet like-minded students 
from across the world, all sharing a passion for fusion. The lectures covered a wide range of topics 
including single particle motion, transport theory, magnetohydrodynamics, diagnostics, instabilities 
and turbulence. Problem-solving sessions then allowed us to apply the theory and discuss approaches 
in smaller groups.

A highlight for me was the visit to the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. Alongside lectures on inertial 
confinement fusion, we toured several engineering departments and saw how complex experimental 
facilities are designed and maintained. Coming from a nuclear engineering background, this gave me 
a valuable perspective on the collaboration between physicists and engineers in advancing fusion 
research.

Thanks to FuseNet’s support, I was able to attend the school alongside my Master’s project. A friend 
and I commuted daily from Reading, which made participation affordable and accessible, and I am very 
grateful for this support. 

Overall, the summer school strengthened my understanding of plasma physics, broadened my view of 
career opportunities in fusion, and gave me the chance to connect with a global community of 
students. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in plasma physics or fusion research.