University Fusion Association: Summary of Activities and UFA Forum Uri Shumlak UFA, President University of Washington FPA Meeting, 16 December 2015 The UFA is a registered nonprofit organization that advocates for university fusion energy
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Presentation Transcript
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University Fusion Association:
Summary of Activities and UFA Forum Uri Shumlak
UFA, President
University of Washington
FPA Meeting, 16 December 2015
The UFA is a registered nonprofit organization that advocates for university fusion energy and plasma science research and education. The UFA represents universities and university researchers to congressional policy makers and funding agencies, organizes planning workshops, and provides community leadership.<br>
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UFA membership and governance is strong, active, and offers broad representation. President: Uri Shumlak, U. Washington
Vice President: Dave Maurer, Auburn
Secretary/Treasurer: Brian Nelson, U. Washington
Past President: Dylan Brennan, Princeton
Executive Committee
Mohamed Abdou, UCLA Mike Mauel, Columbia
Paul Bellan, Caltech Dave Maurer*, Auburn
Mike Brown, Swarthmore David Newman, U. Alaska
Brett Chapman*, U. Wisconsin Scott Parker, U. Colorado
Martin Greenwald, MIT Uri Shumlak*, U. Washington
Tom Jarboe, U. Washington Harold Weitzner*, NYU
* Three-year term ends Dec 2105.
Newly elected ExComm members for 2016:
Chris Holland, UCSD Earl Scime, West Virginia U.
David Ruzic, U. Illinois John Sarff, U. Wisconsin
Current membership is over 200: graduate students, scientists, and faculty from over 40 institutions<br>
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UFA advocates for university fusion energy & plasma science research/education and organizes the community The UFA hosts workshops and annual meetings with FES director; represents the plasma community to Congress and through whitepapers; and solicits member input and disseminates information relevant to the university community.
Participate in Policy Meetings and Outreach
UFA letter to US Congress
Fusion Day – one pager
Magnetic Fusion Program Leadership (G7)
Public input to FESAC
Survey university plasma programs to track long-term trends. Data is used
to advocate for strong and sustained support
to publicize university contributions to fusion energy and plasma science research
UFA-Organized Meetings
University Round Table Discussion – September 2105
assembled 12 university leaders of plasma science
Objective: measure the health of the university research community
Outcomes: - university fusion programs are diversifying into other plasma science areas
- necessity of on-campus research projects
Annual General Meeting at APS-DPP
presentations from government agencies who fund fusion energy and plasma science
J. Van Dam (DOE), S. Lukin (NSF), P. McGrath (ARPA-E)<br>
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Summary – UFA Forum on the Future of Fusion Energy & Plasma Science Research in the U.S. UFA organized a two-day forum to discuss two broad topics:
opportunities and requirements for nurturing the growth of fusion energy and plasma science research in the academic environment
means for developing a strategic plan for fusion and plasma science
Monday:
Background & Purpose, John Sarff, Wisconsin, Steering Committee Chair
“Nurturing Research in the Academic Environment: Federal-University Partnership”, Gerald Navratil, Columbia University
“Community Planning For Fusion Energy and Plasma Science: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”, Martin Greenwald, M.I.T.
Perspective, Michael Knotek, Former Deputy Undersecretary for Science and Energy
Breakout Sessions (3 panel groups)
Tuesday:
Breakout Sessions (3 panel groups)
Panel Summaries: Troy Carter (UCLA), François Waelbroeck (UT), Anne White (MIT)
Discussion and Organization of Follow-On Activities
Summary – UFA Forum on the Future of Fusion Energy & Plasma Science Research in the U.S. Summary of Breakout Panel Reports
1.a) Role of local experimental programs at universities
Universities are thought-leaders in scientific fields, MUST have strong university programs to have a healthy and productive national program.
University experimental faculty need strong local, on-campus research effort: local experimental program, off-campus research with local remote control room or data analysis/diagnostic development/theory effort.
1.b) Models for university leadership on national facilities
Scientific leadership opportunities in the frontier-class research devices are essential to establish the importance, viability, and pre-eminence of fusion science faculty.
Recognize that while the model of fully remote participation and leadership of large national programs works for major research university faculty in physics, it may not be suitable for all institutions/departments.
1.c) Growing stewardship in the federal complex
Stewardship of plasma and fusion science by a single federal agency is challenging; should focus on encouraging growth at multiple agencies<br>
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Summary – UFA Forum on the Future of Fusion Energy & Plasma Science Research in the U.S. Summary of Breakout Panel Reports
2.a) Developing and nurturing a strategic plan
Fusion program needs community-engaged strategic planning process, must partner with FES. Sufficient time should be given to the process with culminating Snowmass-like meeting. 18+ months is consistent with similar successful efforts.
It should not be a one-off event – a plan for ongoing strategic planning/course correction.
2.b) Impact of a delayed ITER program
Recognize recent positive developments: new efforts at scheduling, increased transparency. Should push for more to aid our planning efforts.
Burning plasma physics is a key goal, and we are ready. ITER is part of that plan.
We must maintain strong efforts in parallel to ITER to support vision of fusion science and technology.<br>
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General observations from the UFA Forum reflect positively for our community and ability to come together Each of the independent breakout panel groups produced remarkably similar assessments, conclusions, and suggestions for follow-on activities.
Experience was an affirmation of our community’s ability to debate, discuss, and arrive at consensus in a highly functional and professional manner.
The plenary and panel summary presentations are available at universityfusion.org/forum
Next steps include
producing a document that summarizes the UFA Forum
meet with stakeholders to get concurrence
implement suggestions that offer immediate solutions
engage DOE in strategic planning process
create working groups to collect information
University programs in fusion energy & plasma science provide critical contributions to
education – research – leadership – innovation
UFA works to highlight those contributions and to increase the visibility of our community.
Our voice is amplified by your membership. Join UFA, www.universityfusion.org<br>
