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During the 49^th Congress of Polish Physicists, held from September 5–11, 2025, in Katowice, the Institute of Plasma Physics and Laser Microfusion (IPPLM) was represented both among the speakers and in the event's organizational structures.

The Congress Program Committee included Dr. hab. Monika Kubkowska, IPPLM director, who was co-responsible for the content of this year's conference.

Three researchers from the Institute presented in the thematic session "Modern Technologies in Physics":

• Dr. hab. Agata Chomiczewska with a presentation entitled "Breakthrough scientific achievements in the field of nuclear fusion research",
• Dr. Eng. Natalia Wendler who presented the results of the work entitled "Analysis of plasma contamination in the baseline scenario during deuterium-tritium experiments on the JET tokamak",
• Dr. Eng. Agnieszka Zaraś-Szydłowska with the presentation "Comprehensive interferometry in laser plasma research".

Dr. hab. Agata Chomiczewska (from the left), Dr. Eng. Natalia Wendler and Dr. Eng. Agnieszka Zaraś-Szydłowska during their speeches at the 49th Congress of Polish Physicists

About the Congress of Polish Physicists

The Congress of Polish Physicists is the largest regular physics conference in Poland, organized biennially by the Polish Physical Society in collaboration with leading academic centres. This year's edition was co-organized by the University of Silesia in Katowice.

The event provides a key forum for the exchange of knowledge and experiences among the physics community, enabling the presentation of achievements in various branches of physics, as well as related sciences and technologies used in experiments and theory development. The program includes lectures, thematic panels, student and poster sessions, presentations by scientific circles, and a session facilitating networking between students and future employers.

The congress has a history spanning over a century. The first meeting of physicists took place in Warsaw in 1923. Since then, this event has almost continuously supported the development of national research centres, integrating the research community, and promoting the achievements of Polish physics on a national forum.

Photos: IPPLM

We are pleased to announce that the Minister of Energy, Mr. Miłosz Motyka, has appointed Dr. hab. Agata Chomiczewska to the position of Deputy Director for Scientific Affairs at the Sylwester Kaliski Institute of Plasma Physics and Laser Microfusion (IPPLM), effective September 1, 2025.

Dr. hab. Agata Chomiczewska graduated from the Faculty of Physics at the University of Warsaw. In 2005, she began working at the Institute of Plasma Physics and Laser Microfusion. In 2012, she obtained a PhD in Physics and a postdoctoral degree in 2020, both from the National Centre for Nuclear Research. Since 2016, she has served as the National Scientific Coordinator for research conducted on European experimental tokamak-type thermonuclear devices located in the United Kingdom, Switzerland, France, Germany, and Japan. She is a member of the Project Board in the European EUROfusion consortium, responsible for substantive supervision and setting strategic directions for the implementation of the nuclear fusion research program, as well as a member of the Council of the Plasma Physics Section of the European Physical Society.

Professor’s primary research areas are thermonuclear fusion, with particular emphasis on studying plasma impurities using spectroscopic methods in magnetically confined systems. She is the author or co-author of over 200 scientific publications. She actively participates in events promoting thermonuclear fusion and in organizing international scientific conferences.

Dr. hab. Agata Chomiczewska is part of an international team of researchers who in recent years achieved a breakthrough in the field of nuclear fusion during experiments at the world's largest tokamak, JET, in the UK, setting a world energy record.

Photo: Dr. hab. Agata Chomiczewska. © IFPiLM

For the first time in the history of the Institute of Plasma Physics and Laser Microfusion (IPPLM), the Scientific Council has adopted a resolution to confer the degree of habilitated doctor. This became possible after the Institute was granted the right to award academic degrees, in accordance with Article 185(1) and Article 218 of the Act of 20 July 2018 – Law on Higher Education and Science. This historic decision was taken at the Council’s meeting on 7 July 2025 and concerned Dr. Katarzyna Batani, who was awarded the degree of habilitated doctor in the field of natural sciences, in the discipline of physical sciences.

After reviewing the full documentation of the habilitation procedure – including expert reviews of the scientific achievement and the resolution of the Habilitation Committee containing a detailed justification – the Scientific Council of IPPLM concluded that Dr. Katarzyna Batani’s scientific, teaching and science communication achievements meet the criteria required for the award of the degree of habilitated doctor.

Dr. Katarzyna Batani’s academic portfolio is available on the IPPLM website under the section on habilitation procedures: https://tiny.pl/vfvpp-jq

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.