regular: 2,950 € incl. VAT*Nuclear Fusion
3-day in-depth and interdisciplinary training in key technologies of nuclear fusion.
November 10-12,
2026 in Karlsruhe,
Germany
The Certificate Course offers an intensive, interdisciplinary introduction to the core technologies of nuclear fusion.
Set against fusion’s rising importance in future energy systems, the three-day program focuses on the critical interfaces between physics, materials science, and engineering.
Participants develop the ability to analyze key parameters, evaluate technical concepts, and formulate systematic solution strategies.
The course combines solid theoretical foundations with hands-on exercises and laboratory visits, delivering a highly practice-oriented learning experience in a fast-evolving research field.
Duration
- 3 days – on site in Karlsruhe
Learning Outcomes
- Understand the physical and technological foundations of nuclear fusion
- Evaluate key parameters and system interfaces in fusion reactors
- Assess existing technical concepts and current R&D challenges
- Apply knowledge directly through hand-son exercises and lab visits
Format
- Lectures, practical exercises & laboratory visits
- Limited to 20 (first come, first served)
- Participants receive a Certificate
- Language: English
Who Should Attend
- Engineers and technical specialists from industry
- Professionals involved in energy technologies, materials, vacuum systems, or nuclear engineering
- R&D managers and technical decision-makers
- Researchers seeking application-oriented fusion knowledge
November 10
Introduction and
Tritium Fuel Cycle
08:30 - 10:00
Introduction to Fusion Technologies
Dr. Sara Perez Martin
Introduction to the fundamental concepts of particle physics and nuclear fusion, including Plasma behavior, ignition, and the differences between magnetic and inertial fusion. Building on this basis, key aspects of plasma stability, control, and particle transport are addressed.
10:30 - 12:30
Tritium Handling and Tritium Technologies
Dr. Robin Größle
This module introduces the principles of tritium physics, tritium handling and closed tritium cycles, including tritium analytics for monitoring.
Special focus is given on Tritium containment and the minimal needs for a closed tritium System like storage, transfer, Tritium recovery and isotope separation.
On specific examples like water detritiation and isotope separation, an outlook to large scale technologies for the fusion outer fuel cycle is given.
14:00 - 17:50
Practical exercises & visit
to the Tritium Laboratory Karlsruhe (TLK)
19:30
Come Together
November 11
Breeding Blanket
Technologies
08:30 - 12:30
Breeding Blankets and Tritium Breeding
Dr. Francisco Hernández-González
A fusion power plant operating on deuterium–tritium fuel must not only generate energy, it must also sustain its own fuel cycle. This is one of the essential functions of the breeding blanket, a central in-vessel component surrounding the plasma chamber in a fusion reactor.
In this module, we introduce the physical principles of tritium breeding and provide the fundamental tools required to identify the building blocks of a breeding blanket. The module also presents the key design elements and methodological approaches necessary for a basic understanding of breeding blanket system design.
Building on these foundations, we discuss modern breeding blanket concepts, including a detailed description of the European solid breeder and liquid metal breeder designs, as well as other leading international concepts, their associated key technologies, and the corresponding tritium extraction methods and systems.
14:00 - 17:50
Practical exercises & visit
to HELOKA experimental facilities
November 12
Vacuum Technology and Fuel Cycle Physics
08:30 - 12:30
From the Plasma Core to the Vacuum Pumps and back
Dr.-Ing. Thomas Giegerich
A fusion reactor is a large and complex vacuum system facing challenging requirements: High gas throughputs and exotic gas mixtures need to be handled in the fuel cycle and unusual flow- and temperature regimes need to be covered by the circulating gases.
In this module we follow the gas particles from the plasma core through the divertor and the pump duct towards the vacuum pumps and back to the reactor via the matter injection systems – closing the fusion fuel cycle.
This module gives a broad overview on various technologies and processes applied in the fuel cycle of nowadays fusion machines.
14:00 - 17:50
Practical exercises & visit
to selected experimental facilities (e.g. JASON, Mercury Lab, Vacuum Lab)
Ms. Martina Waldner
Senior Program Consultant HECTOR School
info ∂does-not-exist.hectorschool kit edu
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