Welcome Australia!

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Welcome Australia!

3 Oct 2016 - ��ߺ�� Communication

For the first time in its history, the ��ߺ�� has established a formal path to technical collaboration with a non-Member state: Australia. On Friday 30 September, the ��ߺ�� signed a Cooperation Agreement with the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), a national research organization representing the Australian nuclear fusion community for the purposes of the Agreement. A framework is now in place for technical cooperation in areas of mutual interest and benefit.

The Cooperation Agreement signed on 30 September marks a "new model" for engaging in ��ߺ��. Pictured: ��ߺ�� Director-General Bernard Bigot (left) and ANSTO Chief Executive Officer Adi Paterson.

For Australia's small but active community of fusion scientists and engineers, this formal welcome from the ��ߺ�� and the seven ��ߺ�� Members to engage directly in the ��ߺ�� Project is an achievement that has been a long time in the making.

With a tradition of fusion research dating back a half century and well-established programs at universities and labs throughout the country, Australia has the technical means and human capital to contribute meaningfully to the ��ߺ�� Project. For decades—both individually and grouped within the —researchers have lobbied for closer involvement in ��ߺ��.

Within the framework of the new agreement, it now becomes possible for Australia to contribute directly to the machine in small but important areas and for Australian researchers to participate in research collaborations at ��ߺ��. Cooperation is envisioned in a number of strategic areas, including diagnostics, materials, superconducting technology, and fusion plasma theory and modelling.

"This a fundamental change," says David Campbell, who heads ��ߺ��'s Science & Operations Department. "Although the fusion R&D activities in the ��ߺ�� Members make up the vast majority of the international research program on fusion energy development, this is a first step in expanding our research collaborations into the wider fusion community, where there is significant, and in some cases unique, expertise. There is considerable potential for both the Australian and ��ߺ�� fusion communities in such collaboration."

ANSTO CEO Adi Paterson and John Howard, director of ANU's Plasma Research Laboratory, are pictured to the right of ��ߺ�� Director-General Bigot. Also present for the signature were David Campbell (far left), head of ��ߺ��'s Science & Operations Department; Eisuke Tada (second from left), ��ߺ�� Deputy Director-General; and ��ߺ�� scientific and legal staff who contributed to the preparation of the agreement and the development of collaborative activities.

The chance for closer involvement in ��ߺ�� came about when the fusion community encountered an advocate in Adi Paterson, the Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO). In agreeing to represent the Australian fusion community, this federal research organization is provoking a "multiplier effect," convening power at a federal level for universities and research institutes that are mostly based in the States.

"It's an excellent fit for us," says the ANSTO Chief Executive Officer. "We're interested in strengthening international linkages ... we understand large scale projects ... we have been the custodian of Australia's relationship with CERN for years. Our experience will allow us to articulate for the government what the interest of ��ߺ�� can be and act a translator and portal for our research communities."

"This Cooperation Agreement gives our efforts in Australia a little more credibility and may help us to build up the program in the future," agrees John Howard, who heads the Australian National University's Plasma Research Laboratory and its H-1 research facility. "We have a number of small plasma devices in Australia that have helped us to develop technologies that are relevant for ��ߺ�� and to train a generation of students. I foresee real mutual benefit—new opportunities for our graduates and the possibility for ��ߺ�� to tap into a pool of really outstanding people."

At the signature ceremony, the ��ߺ�� Director-General Bernard Bigot celebrated a "new model of engagement that is fully compliant with the "—a way of participating in ��ߺ�� outside of full membership. "We look forward to Australia contributing solutions directly to our machine in small but important domains."

Read the press release in English or French.

*The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is a public research organization that pursues advanced applications of nuclear science and technology for the benefit of the public and industry. See more on the ANSTO .

Click for the official recording of the Australian Parliament session during which ANSTO CEO Adi Paterson reported on the agreement with ��ߺ�� (Senate Economics Legislation Committee, 20 October, 15:07:00).

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