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In the first quarter of 2025, elections were held for the Board of the Plasma Physics Division of the European Physical Society (EPS Plasma Physics Division). Six candidates who received the highest number of votes were elected to the Board, and two additional members were appointed through co-option. Among the newly elected members is Dr hab. Agata Chomiczewska from the Institute of Plasma Physics and Laser Microfusion (IPPLM, Poland).

The other Board members are: Corinne Champeaux (Université de Limoges, France), Fabrizio Consoli (ENEA, Italy), Andrew Gibson (University of York, UK), Daniela Grasso (Politecnico di Torino, Italy), Costanza Maggi (UKAEA, UK), Daniele Margarone (ELI Beamlines, Czechia), and Emanuele Poli (IPP Garching, Germany).

The new EPS Plasma Physics Division (PPD) Board began its term in July 2025. The first meeting of the newly elected Board will take place on 6 July 2025 in Vilnius (Lithuania), during the 51^st EPS Conference on Plasma Physics.

The current term will last until the summer of 2029. Board members are elected for a four-year term, with the possibility of re-election for a second term.

For more information about the new Board and its full composition, please visit the EPS website: Board | European Physical Society – Plasma Physics Division.

We warmly congratulate all newly elected members and wish them a fruitful term in advancing the European plasma physics community.

Photo: Dr hab. Agata Chomiczewska. © IPPLM

Researchers from the Institute of Plasma Physics and Laser Microfusion (IPPLM), Dr. Natalia Wendler and Dr. Paweł Gąsior, recently participated in a panel discussion at the 10^th Central & Eastern Europe Nuclear Industry Congress 2025. This event, recognized as a key meeting point for the nuclear sector in the region, gathered professionals from across the industry to discuss the latest trends, projects, and technologies in nuclear energy.

Focusing on fusion and materials challenges

Natalia Wendler and Paweł Gąsior contributed to discussions centered on innovative technologies, especially fusion energy, sharing their perspectives on the technical and scientific hurdles that need to be overcome for fusion to play a major role in the future energy mix. They highlighted the critical importance of developing new materials capable of withstanding the extreme conditions inside fusion reactors - a challenge that remains at the forefront of research worldwide.

The panel also examined the growing interest in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Micro Modular Reactors (MMRs). While many innovative designs are being proposed, most still rely on established reactor technologies. The discussion explored what breakthroughs are still needed to make these next-generation reactors truly transformative.

Innovation and regulation: finding the right balance

A significant part of the conversation focused on how to foster innovation in nuclear technology while ensuring that regulatory processes keep pace. Researchers from the IPPLM emphasized the need for regulatory frameworks that support new ideas but also maintain safety and reliability, helping to bring advanced technologies like fusion closer to reality.

Strengthening regional collaboration

The congress offered a valuable platform for sharing knowledge and building connections among experts, industry representatives, and policymakers. The participation of IPPLM researchers underlines the institute’s active role in advancing nuclear science and technology, both in Poland and across Central and Eastern Europe.

On 25-26 May 2025, the 3^rd edition of the "Science for Society" Congress took place in the Large Hall of the Warsaw University of Technology. The aim of the event was to show that science means only work in laboratories, but also specific solutions that have a real impact on the lives of citizens and the development of the state.

The Institute of Plasma Physics and Laser Microfusion (IPPLM) took part in the Congress for the third time, presenting its achievements at a special stand. Visitors could familiarize themselves with the main directions of the Institute's research activity and talk to its experts and researchers.

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

The IPPLM stand featured 3D models of the ITER experimental tokamak being built in Cadarache, France, and a model of a stellarator. Both of these devices use magnetic field to keep hot plasma away from the inner walls of the vessel, which allows for safe fusion reactions at temperatures of up to 100-150 million degrees Celsius. Specialists from the High Power Laser Laboratory presented the results of research on laser plasma in the context of energy production from fusion with inertial plasma confinement. Guests could also watch a film presenting the IPPLM laboratories and obtain numerous educational materials.

On the second day of the Congress, the guest of honour was the Secretary of State in the Ministry of Science and Higher Education Ms. Karolina Zioło-Pużuk. After her speech, the Minister, together with the Chairman of the Main Council of Research Institutes, Prof. Henryk Skarżyński, presented the participants with commemorative statuettes and diplomas.

Photo: IPPLM

The 3^rd edition of the "Science for Society" Congress will take place on 25–26 May 2025 at the Warsaw University of Technology. This unique event demonstrates that science is not only about work in laboratories, but also about delivering tangible solutions that benefit society and support the country’s economic development.

As part of the Congress, we invite you to visit the stand of the Institute of Plasma Physics and Laser Microfusion (IPPLM), where you will have the opportunity to:

• learn more about nuclear fusion – the energy source of the future,
• explore the main areas of the Institute’s scientific activities,
• talk to our experts and researchers.

The IPPLM stand will be open to visitors:

• Sunday, 25 May – 8:50 AM – 6:00 PM
• Monday, 26 May – 8:20 AM – 6:00 PM

More than 100 research institutions and teams will participate in the Congress, along with over 20 special guests – distinguished scientists, technology transfer experts, creators, entrepreneurs, and public figures.

Participation is free of charge and does not require registration.

The event will also be streamed online at: https://nauka-dla-spoleczenstwa.pl/

The full programme of the Congress is available here: Programme of the 3^rd Congress edition

Source: Nauka dla Społeczeństwa

The Institute of Plasma Physics and Laser Microfusion (IPPLM) invites you to its stand on Saturday, 10 May, during the 28^th Science Picnic, organized by Polish Radio and the Copernicus Science Center. This year's edition of the event, held under the slogan "Ale Kosmos!", is an excellent opportunity to take a closer look at modern space technologies and fascinating plasma phenomena.

What will we show at our stand?

1) Plasma space thrusters – science, not fiction

In this demonstration, we will present a pulsed plasma thruster (PPT) developed at the IPPLM, designed to propel small satellites, so-called Cubesats. The device will be placed in a special vacuum chamber, and during its operation, a spectacular flash of blue-purple plasma will appear. Participants will learn how such a drive works and what applications it has on board so-called microsatellites. Other types of space plasma thrusters will also be presented.

2) Northern Lights in a jar

In the model of the Solar System – Planeterrella – we will show phenomena occurring in space, such as the aurora borealis, the Van Allen belts and the solar corona. Two spheres under a glass dome – one symbolizing the Sun, the other the Earth – will allow us to show how the solar wind interacts with the magnetic field of our planet. Participants will be able to modify the parameters of the discharges themselves and see how the aurora is created.

3) Lasers – a new era of space communication

In this case, we will demonstrate how laser communication, recently tested in NASA missions, works. Participants will be able to send light messages themselves. Our experts will explain what amplitude modulation of light is and how it can be used to send messages that control devices. You will also be able to check how detectors react to different light sources.

Where can you find us?

IPPLM stand: Strefa Przyszłosci (Future Zone), tent E4
Saturday, 10 May 2025 r., 11.00 a.m.– 8.00 p.m.
PGE Narodowy Stadium, Warsaw
Admission is free of charge.
Interactive Picnic Map
Picnic Map to download

Why is it worth joining us?

The Science Picnic is the largest outdoor event in Europe on the subject of science. Its aim is to disseminate knowledge from various scientific disciplines by presenting interesting experiments and experiences. The Picnic allows to understand and get to know science, showing it as an extremely exciting and fascinating area of life, and by bringing closer the scientist's workshop, it encourages and inspires the participants of this event to undertake independent scientific activity.