Sow Science Seed in the Young

30 students from Harbin Engineering University (HEU) did their summer practice in ASIPP from 15^th to 29^th July. After traveling thousands of miles from the northeast to the middle of China, they finally came to the Science Island to join fusion research and experience mega-science. This is the third consecutive year that ASIPP Administration Office organized summer practice for HEU students. 

Selection and Preparation 

As the university indicated, they received more applications this year than ever, since the experience was generally recognized by those who had joined in the previous two years. Because of the limited chances, the university decided to allocate them to outstanding students according to their GPA. 

Based on previous experience, Administration Office communicated with the university in advance, asking about the students’ interest and expectation. With the feedback, five divisions were chosen to instruct the HEU students, and specific practice items were designed in accordance with current experiments. 

Days in ASIPP 

On the welcome reception on 16^th, Dr. Wang Liang gave a comprehensive introduction on fusion theory, present situation and future development. Ms Chang Yuhong introduced the education opportunities in ASIPP and encouraged the students to pursue further study here. Students were divided into teams, and the instructor of each team introduced the content of internship, making it clear what they are expected to observe or achieve. 

After the reception, students went on a lab tour in the afternoon. They visited cyclotron heating system, plasma application lab, solar cell lab, superconducting conductor production hall and other important research places, where professional explanation was provided. 

The following days witnessed the success of this activity. It was not a mere formality, students did real practice and benefited a lot from the experience. Thanks to the five supporting divisions, they got detailed plan and patient instruction. Every effort was made to ensure a high-quality practice. 

You are the Future of Fusion 

A farewell party was held on 19^th. As a HEU alumni, ASIPP director Li Jiangang talked about the world fusion situation and gave valuable suggestions on students’ career development. He encouraged the young to be confident in the future and wished them the best chances of realizing individual value. 

After the internship, every student handed in their summary and advice. As indicated by many of them, by observing and joining the EAST experiments, they felt the charm of mega-science and were deeply moved by researchers’ devotion and cooperation. The experience here, to some extent, inspired their study and career plan. 

To take responsibility for science education, ASIPP has become the practice base of many universities, receiving their students every year. Meanwhile, it played an important role in attracting excellent graduate students. 

The Administration Office paid full attention to student practice activities. Both universities and students expressed gratitude for the logistical support, such as arrangements of transport, accommodation and other issues. (XI Yingkun reports)