From Plasma to Fusion Power (Fusion Energy Week MagNetUS webinar)

Have you ever wondered how the fundamental physics of plasmas connects to the grand challenge of building fusion energy? To celebrate Fusion Energy Week, MagNetUS is hosting a special one-hour virtual webinar that explores how core plasma physics phenomena directly underpin the development of fusion as a clean, sustainable energy source. This event will bring together early-career researchers and experts to highlight how seemingly abstract concepts like energetic electrons, self-organization, plasma filaments, and dust transport are not only central to understanding plasmas in nature, but also critical to solving real engineering challenges in fusion devices. By drawing connections between fusion plasmas, space plasmas, and fundamental theory, the webinar emphasizes the deep scientific foundation that supports the entire fusion energy ecosystem. Agenda Highlights: Energetic Electrons Across Plasma Systems (Eva): Exploring how energetic electrons behave in fusion plasmas and how these dynamics relate to processes observed in space plasmas Energetic Electrons in Fusion Plasmas (Jessica): A closer look at the role of high-energy electrons in confinement, stability, and diagnostics Energetic Electrons in Space Plasmas (Sydney): Connecting fusion research to astrophysical environments and space plasma phenomena Self-Organization in Plasmas (Noah): Understanding how plasmas naturally evolve into structured states—and why this matters for confinement and stability Plasma Filaments at High Magnetic Fields (Elon): Investigating filamentary structures and their connection to transport processes such as blobs, with links to advanced imaging analysis Alfvén eigenmodes and alpha particles; whistlers and Runaway Electrons in fusion plasmas (Yashika): Exploring how wave-particle interactions influence fusion environments Dust Transport & Plasma-Material Interactions (Saikat): Examining the role of dust in fusion devices and why understanding its behavior is essential for safe and efficient reactor operation Panel Discussion: From Fundamental Physics to Fusion Solutions. A concluding discussion bringing speakers together to explore how advances in basic plasma physics research translate into progress on key fusion challenges. Whether you're a student, researcher, or simply curious about the science behind fusion, this webinar offers a unique opportunity to see how fundamental physics drives innovation in one of the most exciting energy technologies of our time! About MagNetUS: MagNetUS creates an ecosystem for a broad scientific community interested in experimental magnetized plasma research. MagNetUS ecosystem objectives include: Broaden participation in magnetized plasma research through expanded partnerships with predominantly undergraduate institutions, institutions with smaller plasma science and engineering programs, and a broad range of institutions from historically excluded groups. Form a broad consortium of affiliated facilities, computational systems, and theory labs that support experimental magnetized plasma research projects. Foster and maintain a broad and diverse collaborator base through support for experiments, modeling, diagnostic and software development, and data management projects. Establish a strong program for education and training of new collaborators, participants, and the next generation of scientists working in magnetized plasmas. MagNetUS - https://magnetus.net/ Join MagNetUS - https://forms.gle/yL1hC1wKsa6ijsbs8 US Fusion Energy - https://usfusionenergy.org/ Fusion Energy Week - https://usfusionenergy.org/fusion-ene... 00:00:00 Introductory remarks 00:05:43 Introducing panelists 00:05:59 What is fusion 00:12:29 How self-organization shapes plasmas from basic lab experiments to fusion reactors 00:19:10 Energetic electrons in fusion plasmas 00:27:25 Electron diffusion in magnetic islands from lab to space 00:36:01 Wave-particle interactions in fusion plasmas 00:44:07 Alfven waves & arched plasmas in magnetized fusion research 00:47:33 Magnetized Dusty Plasma eXperiment00:52:48 Dust & debris in fusion plasma 01:03:03 Plasma material interaction for fusion 01:07:01 MagNetUS 01:11:29 Panel discussion