More about MASCOT…

MASCOT tasks encompass the installation of plasma-facing tiles, the tightening and removal of bolts, cutting and welding, the replacement of diagnostics, and the handling of fragile components with a high degree of precision. Additionally, a 3D camera is employed to assist with visualizing the interior of the JET. In the control room, the 3D models are utilized to illustrate its movements and facilitate an understanding of the process involved in controlling MASCOT. A noteworthy aspect of the training is the requirement to successfully play Jenga with MASCOT prior to qualification for robot operation. This activity is crucial, as MASCOT demands exceptional precision, stable hands, and keen spatial awareness. Consequently, the training aims to cultivate skills such as fine motor control, 3D perception utilizing the camera, patience under pressure, strategic planning, and consistent hand-eye coordination.

Students really enjoyed getting up close, asking about very specific parts such as the difficulty of the control system and the principle of JET. Researchers were very helpful in showing us around the site and answering questions.

Why Fusion Lectures…

This series provides an excellent starting point for anyone curious about fusion, particularly those interested in reactor design, plasma confinement, and the broader technical landscape of the field. As our members come from a wide range of academic backgrounds, and because fusion is not widely covered in most degree programs, the lectures offer valuable foundational knowledge in key areas of fusion technology, including plasma physics, radiation damage, superconductivity, reactor systems, and tritium breeding.

The series also allows students to explore specific branches of fusion science that relate to their own disciplines. For example, chemical engineering students may be especially interested in the inner fuel cycle, which involves tritium breeding, isotope separation, and heat and fluid transfer. By making these connections, students can begin to see how their academic expertise aligns with real opportunities in the fusion sector, potentially inspiring them to pursue a future career in this rapidly growing field.

Speaker sharing their journey…

The talk began with each speaker introducing themselves and sharing their personal journey in the fusion energy sector. Laura Wheatley opened the session by describing her role at the IAEA in Vienna, where working abroad has allowed her to meet people from a wide range of backgrounds and viewpoints; she emphasised how essential networking is in a global work culture, as it often leads to new opportunities and access to important information. The session then moved to Stephen Biggs-Fox, who spoke about his unexpected path into fusion—despite initially studying plasma physics, he never imagined working in this field, and shared how family commitments required him to turn down certain positions, yet he still found his place in fusion through persistence and passion. Following this, Emma Hume discussed her recently completed PhD research on laser interactions for fusion applications, highlighting the growing importance of laser technologies and their potential long-term influence on future fusion systems; she also offered an honest reflection on life as a PhD student, stressing the need for strong time management, motivation, and readiness to face challenges. The final speaker, Emre Yildirim—an alumnus of The University of Manchester—shared insights from his journey through the fusion industry, speaking about the importance of maintaining a healthy work–life balance and how each chapter of his career has offered different experiences, challenges, and learning opportunities for those aspiring to work in fusion