Fusion Student Delegation (FuSD) Releases First Policy Brief

Last week, the Fusion Student Delegation (FuSD) released their 2024 Policy Brief. The FuSD is a non-partisan organization open to all students who are pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree interested in fusion energy and science. The FuSD gives students the opportunity to engage Congress, executive agencies, think tanks, and industry groups; to advocate for fusion energy-relevant policy; to analyze existing public policy and write original policy statements; to network with fusion industry leaders, scientific experts, and policymakers in Washington, DC; and to develop delegates’ science communication skills.

The first Annual Program of the FuSD was held in Washington, DC, June 1 - 7, 2024, and was a week-long program of policy workshops, discussions with think tanks, networking events, and meetings with congressional offices. Twelve delegates from twelve university participated, including Amelia Chambliss, a Columbia University doctoral student working with Professor Elizabeth Paul and studying energetic particle physics in stellarator devices.

This year's FuSD Policy Brief applauded progress in creating an innovative regulatory framework for fusion, supported appropriations for fusion energy research and workforce development, and motivated the 2024 policy statement with a three-part analysis: (I) Research and Innovation, (II) Community Engagement and Workforce Development and Retention, and (III) Regulation and Supply Chain.