Fusion Energy Week 2026
As part of the nationwide celebration of Fusion Energy Week 2026, the Columbia Fusion Research Center (CFRC) opened its doors to members of the New York City community and surrounding areas for a series of student-led educational tours and hands-on demonstrations focused on fusion energy and plasma physics.
Held during Fusion Energy Week, the tours welcomed approximately 40 visitors to learn more about the science and engineering behind fusion energy research and its potential role in the future global energy landscape. The tours were organized and led by students and researchers from the CFRC, offering attendees an opportunity to engage directly with the next generation of fusion scientists and engineers.
Each session included introductory presentations on plasma physics and fusion energy fundamentals, followed by hands-on demonstrations and guided laboratory tours. Visitors were able to participate in one-on-one question-and-answer conversations with student researchers, creating an accessible environment for discussion about fusion science, research pathways, and the broader societal implications of clean energy technologies.
These events at the CFRC contributed to a broader national effort to increase public knowledge of fusion energy and build support for continued investment in fusion research. Columbia research scientist Dr. Oak Nelson, Professor Carlos Paz-Soldan, and student members of the CFRC outreach team also contributed to the national organization and coordination of Fusion Energy Week activities alongside collaborators across the U.S. fusion community.
Public engagement and education are central components of the CFRC’s mission. Through outreach programming that includes laboratory tours, educational demonstrations, and community partnerships, the center works to make fusion science more accessible to all students, educators, and the public with a specific focus on underrepresented communities. Additional outreach initiatives can be found on the CFRC Outreach page.
Fusion Energy Week reflects growing momentum across the fusion field to connect cutting-edge scientific research with public dialogue and community participation. By welcoming visitors into the laboratory and fostering direct interaction with researchers, the CFRC’s events highlighted both the scientific promise of fusion energy and the importance of public engagement in shaping its future.