My experience at PlasmaSurf 2026 was amazing. Throughout my university studies, I have covered many aspects of nuclear fusion, but I had largely viewed plasmas only for that specific purpose. At PlasmaSurf, what I enjoyed most was that the lectures covered much more than fusion; we explored astrophysical plasmas, intense lasers, manufacturing processes involving plasma, and more. I really enjoyed stepping out of the little bubble I had built around myself—one that focused on a very broad theme, but was ultimately just a narrow corner of the whole picture.

The lectures never felt like work, as the professors were extremely knowledgeable and engaging. On top of that, our group of students became a group of friends within an hour of getting to know each other. This is what made the experience truly special for me. I never would have imagined making forty new friends from all over the world in one week, all sharing different flavors of the same passion that brought me there.

The other reason why PlasmaSurf is so enjoyable, and why I would recommend it to anyone, is the activities. It is not every day you get to try something out of your comfort zone or usual routine, like mountain boarding, climbing, and surfing. I fell in love with surfing—something I probably never would have tried if I hadn't had an opportunity like this.

Overall, PlasmaSurf is a complete experience. You go there for the school, but you cannot possibly leave without feeling enriched on a personal, not just an academic, level.