The Race to Fusion Energy

The Columbia Fusion Research Center, together with the Fusion Industry Association, recently brought together a diverse group of experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to discuss how cooperation and competition define the current global fusion landscape. Established earlier this year, the center leverages Columbia’s long-standing tradition of fusion research and aims to be a significant force in turning fusion into a practical energy source.

On September 24, 2025, an event called “The Race to Fusion Energy” was held at International House as part of Climate Week at Columbia Engineering 2025. This afternoon session explored the role of international collaboration in advancing the global effort to commercialize fusion energy, a highly anticipated technology with the potential to provide nearly limitless, carbon-free power.

A Global Conversation on the Future of Fusion
The program opened with remarks from George Deodatis, Vice Dean for Research at Columbia Engineering, and Carlos Paz-Soldan, Associate Professor of Applied Physics and Applied Mathematics and Founding Director of the Columbia Fusion Research Center, along with Andrew Holland, CEO of the Fusion Industry Association. Dr. Najat Mokhtar, Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Sciences and Applications at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), also presented.

Fireside Chats and Industry Insights
The event also included a fireside chat between Marco Margheri, Head of U.S. Relations and Chairman of New Energies U.S. at Eni, and Andrew Holland of the FIA. The chat was then followed by an international fusion industry panel, moderated by Holland, featuring Jennifer Ganten, Chief Global Affairs Officer, Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Warrick Matthews, CEO, Tokamak Energy, Francesco Sciortino, Co-Founder & CEO, Proxima Fusion, and Greg Twinney, CEO, General Fusion.

Networking, Reception, and Lab Tours
Following the panel discussions, attendees gathered for a reception in the Hall of History and participated in guided tours of the Columbia Fusion Research Center, where faculty and students showcased cutting-edge experiments advancing plasma physics and fusion confinement research.

“This is one of the first university centers focused on supporting the fusion industry’s growth,” said Carlos Paz-Soldan, associate professor of applied physics and applied mathematics and director of the Fusion Research Center. “We’re not just pursuing academic milestones — we’re working closely with companies to accelerate their progress and guide our academic work.”

The event was made possible partially through the generous support of Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Proxima Fusion, General Fusion, and Tokamak Energy.