ASIPP Classroom: a Fusion of Science and Education

From this spring on, students and employees in ASIPP have been able to enjoy a spiritual feast each Friday afternoon in Room 601, for research fellows in ASIPP in these afternoons are giving a series of lectures covering a range of topics, from expertise knowledge accumulated in their years of fusion studies to living philosophy exemplified by their real life stories.

The first lecture was brought onto stage on Mar. 1 by Prof. Xiaodong Zhang, deputy director of ASIPP, on analysis of H-L transition condition and on H mode and its controlling. He started by quoting from the Analects of Confucious, saying that “there must be a mentor for me among any three travellers. Their good qualities are to be followed, and their shortcomings are to be avoided”. Before he elaborated on his understanding of H mode and ELM controlling, he also reminded the present young talents of the importance of critical thinking. The meeting room was crowded with over 100 students and employees that afternoon and attendees said that the lecture had introduced to them a different perspective of viewing the issue. 

Prof. Xiangke Wang was the second lecturer, who presented a beneficial class on Mar. 5 especially for the MSc and PhD candidates in ASIPP. His focus was on paper writing and methodology of scientific research. According to him, abundant fund, modern equipment or advanced labs are never the top one element for a successful scientific research. Rather, what really matters is unique ideas, perseverance, and the ability of discovering and solving problems.

The third lecture given by Prof. Xinchao Wu, deputy director of ASIPP on Mar. 15 was quite different from the first two since it was about Prof. Wu’ own life experience on the balance between life and work. He also mentioned about his experience in handling the relationship with colleagues. His humour and eloquence made the lecture even more inspiring to the employees. 

The topic of the fourth lecture was a very meaningful one for fusion researchers. Prof. Guosheng Xu in the afternoon of Mar. 29 reviewed the history of fusion studies by giving an objective analysis of the crisis ever encountered and thus enabled the audience to recognize the challenges and opportunities of fusion development. Xu pointed out that energy and environment will gradually become the theme of this new era.In the end of the lecture, Xu said, “When the future comes, we can answer with ‘yes, we are ready’ confidently and loudly.” In Chinese fusion research circles, both students and experienced researchers are driven by the wish of realizing fusion energy. Xu’s words expressed the scientists’ confidence in the research and their determination to devote themselves to this long yet great course of fusion energy.

The lecture series is still going on. Each coming lecture will be announced both on its newly-launched website and on the institute’s post board one week ahead. According to the administrative office, Prof. Xiang Gao’s lecture on studies of steady-state, high-confinement plasma in ITER and Prof. Baonian Wan’s lecture on the physical experimental basis of TOKAMAK are right on their way. (Yujie Peng, Nan Zhao reports)

Lecture 1 given by Prof. Xiaodong Zhang

Students and employees are listening closely to the lecture.

Prof. Xinchao Wu is giving a lecture about his living philosophy.

Prof. Guosheng Xu is reviewing the past of fusion studies.

Q & A