The next STEP for fusion energy

By harnessing the process that powers the Sun and stars, fusion has the potential to provide a safe, abundant source of low carbon energy. The first of its kind, STEP - the Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production - is a programme that includes building a prototype fusion powerplant in the UK. This will pave the way for the potential development of a fleet of future fusion powerplants around the world. Shaped like a cored apple, STEP's spherical tokamak design is unique and revolutionary. Join us to hear from Howard Wilson, Director of Science and Technology at STEP, to find out about this exciting, innovative project and the science that underpins it. About the speaker Howard joined UK Industrial Fusion Solutions as the Director of Science and Technology in 2025 from Oak Ridge National Laboratory in the US, where he was the Fusion Pilot Plant R&D Lead. Prior to that, he was Professor of Plasma Physics at the University of York, where he established and led the York Plasma Institute and Fusion Centre for Doctoral Training. During that time, he was seconded part-time to UK Atomic Energy Authority (2017-20), where he served initially as Research Programme Director and then as the first (interim) Director for STEP. In his role at UKIFS, he will oversee research in support of the plasma solution for STEP and lead on the science and innovative technologies needed in the design of the STEP Prototype Plant.