Swiss Plasma Center

Powering the future with fusion research, today

Interior of the TCV tokamak. © A. Herzog, EPFL

EPFL’s Swiss Plasma Center is one of the world leaders in fusion research.

Fusion is based on the principle that powers the Sun. It has the potential to provide everyone with an abundant, safe and clean source of energy.

Through a rich program of research, linked to different levels of training, we are working to deepen our understanding of plasma physics and propel fusion to the heart of the energy transition.

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Research

We conduct a programme organised in six research lines: Plasma Theory, Basic Plasma Physics, TCV Tokamak Physics, International Collaborations, Superconductivity for Fusion, and Plasma Applications.

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Education

We are committed to preparing the next generations of fusion scientists and engineers. We provide education in Physics for students of all levels (Bachelor, Master and Doctoral School).

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Job opportunities

Join our dynamic team at SPC, in the stunning Swiss landscapes, where innovation meets inclusivity, all while fostering professional growth and family-friendly support.

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Latest news

Dr Francesco Romano © Nadia Barth / EPFL

Exploring the mysteries of trapped electrons: the T-REX Experiment

17.09.24EPFL

At the Swiss Plasma Center (SPC), an intriguing experiment is unfolding that could change the future of fusion energy. It's called the TRapped Electrons eXperiment, or T-REX, and its day-to-day operations and research are driven by a passionate and multi-talented scientist, Dr. Francesco Romano.

"I am a strong believer in the collaborative nature of research"

10.09.24EPFL

Ralf Mackenbach, a postdoctoral researcher at the Swiss Plasma Center (SPC), has been awarded the prestigious Rubicon Grant by the Dutch Research Council for his research at SPC. This two-year grant, beginning in September 2024, will allow him to test new plasma forms using the Tokamak à Configuration Variable (TCV) fusion device at EPFL, and apply an interesting model developed during his Ph.D.

"I have always been fascinated by complicated subjects"

01.07.24EPFL

Baptiste Frei has been awarded the 2024 PhD Research Prize by the Plasma Physics Division of the European Physical Society (EPS) for the excellence of his thesis at EPFL's Swiss Plasma Center. This award underlines Baptiste Frei's exceptional contributions to the field of plasma fusion and marks an important milestone in his scientific career. After completing his PhD at the Swiss Plasma Center, under the supervision of Paolo Ricci, he has now joined the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP) in Germany, where he works as a postdoctoral researcher in the Tokamak Theory Group. His focus lies in conducting edge turbulence simulations using high-performance computing codes.

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Groups and Representation Theory in Lausanne 2024

This workshop will highlight recent work in the structure and representation theory of finite and algebraic groups, and the related Lie algebras.

20-11-202421-11-2024

With: See here: https://groreptil24.epfl.ch/participants/
Place and room: CM 1 517
Category: Conferences – Seminars

Research Data Lunch Talks "How to manage big datasets: from art to stars"

21-11-202421-11-2024

Place and room: CM 1 120
Category: Conferences – Seminars

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GAAG seminar – Levi factors of linear algebraic groups

21-11-202421-11-2024

With: George McNinch (Tufts)
Place and room: CM 1 517
Category: Conferences – Seminars

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