On June 9-10, 2024, the 2nd Congress "Science for Society" was held in the Great Hall of the Warsaw University of Technology under the slogan "This is how science in Poland affects the lives of every person." The Institute of Plasma Physics and Laser Microfusion (IPPLM) presented its achievements at a special stand, where guests could learn about nuclear fusion and the Institute's scientific activities.

The main research area of the IPPLM is the use of controlled nuclear fusion to produce electricity in a safe and environmentally friendly way. The Institute is involved in diagnostic work, modelling of plasma phenomena, research on the behaviour of plasma impurities and the impact of plasma on structural surfaces.

The IPPLM stand presented 3D models of the experimental ITER tokamak built in Cadarache, France, and a stellarator model. Both of these devices use a magnetic field to keep the hot plasma away from the inner walls of the vessel, allowing fusion reactions to be carried out safely at temperatures as high as 100-150 million degrees Celsius.

Specialists from the Department of Laser Plasma Physics and Applications presented the results of research on laser plasma in the context of energy production from fusion with inertial plasma maintenance. Guests could also watch a film presenting the IPPLM laboratories and purchase numerous educational materials.

During the Congress, the IPPLM Professor Agata Chomiczewska gave an interview to a TVP reporter. A report from the event and a statement by Prof. Agata Chomiczewska can be watched on the TVP3 website in the "Dziennik Regionów" program from June 9, 2024 (beginning of coverage: 9:23).

On the first day of the Congress, the guest of honour was the Minister of Science, Dariusz Wieczorek, who in his speech emphasized the importance of increasing expenditure on research and development and promoting the results of the work of scientists and research institutions. At the end of the meeting, Minister Wieczorek together with the chairman of the Main Council of Research Institutes, Prof. Henryk Skarżyński, presented the participants with occasional statuettes and diplomas.

Photo: IPPLM