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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP)

@plasmaphysik.bsky.social
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We are investigating the principles underlying a power plant, which – like the sun – will produce energy from the fusion of light atomic nuclei. www.ipp.mpg.de/en www.ipp.mpg.de/impressum

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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 1h
For one week, students joined us at IPP Greifswald for the #SummerUniversity to explore #plasmaphysics and #fusionresearch. The programme covered a broad range of topics, with plenty of opportunities for discussion and networking during excursions and shared meals.
A group wearing red hard hats and one yellow hard hat stands among technical equipment in a hall. A dark green overlay reads “Rückblick: Summer University in Greifswald” — “Looking back: Summer University in Greifswald”.Impressions from the Summer UniversityvImpressions from the Summer UniversityGroupphoto
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Fusion research needs supercomputing. Join the free, online 7th Fusion HPC Workshop on 23–24 February 2027 to meet researchers working at the intersection of fusion and high-performance computing. Submit your abstract by 30 October 2026, 13:00 CET: hpcfusion.bsc.es/2027/abstract
Dark blue graphic with a portrait of IPP researcher Alexey Mishchenko. Text reads: “Fusion Research needs Supercomputing.” It names him as a programme committee member for the 7th Fusion HPC Workshop 2027 and invites abstract submissions by 30 October 2026 at 13:00 CET.Workshop poster against a background of computer servers. It announces that submissions are open for the online 7th Fusion HPC Workshop on 23–24 February 2027, with the heading “For the next generation of Fusion Researchers”. Organisers’ and partners’ logos appear along the bottom.
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Open Day 2026 and Mouse Day at the IPP Garching The Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP), together with the entire Garching Research Center, will open its doors on October 3rd, 2026! Discover the fascinating world of fusion research and plasma physics from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. #NuclearFusion
The headline is in white text on an orange banner that tapers to a rounded bottom edge; it reads “Open House at IPP Garching” in large font and “December 3rd, 2026, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.” in slightly smaller font. In the lower half is a picture showing several adults and children. Some are watching in the background, while a man and two children are conducting experiments with colorful lights on a table. Aligned to the right in the lower corner is a dark green banner with the words “Special Guest: The Mouse from ‘Sendung mit der Maus’” in white lettering. Above the banner is an image of the mouse from “Sendung mit der Maus,” which appears to be standing on the banner.
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
The Scientific Operation campaign OP2.4 began last week at Wendelstein 7-X in Greifswald. Until mid-December, around 60 to 100 plasma discharges will be generated on each of the experiment days.   #PlasmaPhysics #Wendelstein7X
A member of staff is sitting in the Wendelstein 7-X control room in front of several monitors displaying measurement data and control software. Above this, on a blue background, it reads: ‘Wendelstein 7-X Scientific operations started’.
The campaign topics:

More precise control of plasma power and plasma profiles

Maintaining plasma stability at high pressure

Generation and analysis of fast, high-energy ions in the plasma

Investigation of new operating modes to prevent impurities in the plasmaDevelopment of plasma states with particularly good confinement

Analysis of material load on the plasma vessel walls

Longer discharges with high energy turnover (goal: at least 6 GJ)

Validation of computer models
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
This week, we started plasma operation at the Wendelstein 7-X. Two weeks of plasma operation tests are now being performed in preparation for the start of scientific operations. The aim is to ensure that W7-X is ready to carry out the subsequent scientific experiments reliably.   #Wendelstein7X
View of the Wendelstein 7-X fusion device, surrounded by numerous pipes, cables and technical components in a big hall. Above the photo, white text on a blue background reads: “Wendelstein 7-X – Start Plasma Commissioning”. 
Photo: MPI for Plasmaphysics, Bernhard Ludewig
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Postdoc Appreciation Week Germany 2026 From 21–25 September, more than 60 organisations offer events on careers, personal development and networking for young researchers. The IPP is also offering a workshop on speaking freely and confidently. More info: paw-germany.de/events-2026 #paw2026
A colourful graphic for Postdoc Appreciation Week Germany, marking its 5th anniversary and taking place from 21 to 25 September 2026, including a QR code for the programme.
Workshop on: Responding spontaneously in sensitive academic discussions on 25 September 2026, online from 09:00 to 17:00.
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Every gas leaves a distinct fingerprint in light. At Augsburg’s MINT Summer School, glass ampoules were turned into plasmas using an electromagnetic field. The third from the left glows like the hydrogen and deuterium plasmas in W7-X and ASDEX Upgrade. #physics
Graphic with a black background and the headline “Plasma Physics Is So Beautiful.” Ten glowing glass tubes containing different gases are arranged side by side and glow in different colors. The gases are labeled Air, CO₂, H₂, He, O₂, N₂, Ne, Ar, Xe, and Kr. An arrow points to the H₂ tube with the caption: “This is what the plasma looks like in the Wendelstein 7-X and ASDEX Upgrade fusion facilities.”
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Jakob Fuß – winner of the ‘Jugend Forscht’ competition in Rhineland-Palatinate – spent a week at our institute in Garching as part of an internship. During his time with us, he learnt about various areas of our work and was able to assist with some measurements. #JugendForscht #Plasmaphysik
Graphic on a dark green background. A young man wearing safety goggles is standing behind an experimental setup in a laboratory. Metal components are visible in the foreground; one section of the setup is illuminated in blue, with an orange arrow pointing towards it. Beneath this, in large white lettering, it reads ‘A Week of Plasma Physics’. A yellow-green dot pattern and orange design elements frame the image.In the bottom right-hand corner, a young man in a white shirt stands against a red background. Above it, in white lettering, it reads: “Jakob Fuß won the Rhineland-Palatinate regional round of the ‘Jugend forscht’ competition with a maths research paper on
the steel sculptures of the artist Richard Serra. The prize for his success was a one-week internship at our Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics in Garching. Photo: Stiftung Jugend forscht e. V.“
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Open Day at the Garching Research Campus on 3 October, 10 am–5 pm. At IPP, visit ASDEX Upgrade, our large tokamak for fusion research, see 100-tonne flywheel generators, explore materials research and try hands-on experiments. #OpenDay #Garching #FusionResearch
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
IPP scientist Pedro Gil and his colleagues developed a new optimisation method that can design #stellarator coils while automatically enforcing #physics and engineering constraints — with far less manual tuning. Link to the papers: ow.ly/rhtC50ZyVfx ow.ly/LnWU50ZyVfw
A picture with the caption ‘New method for optimising stellarator coils’. Beneath it is a three-dimensional, ring-shaped arrangement consisting of a structure shown in purple and numerous black, curved coils. In the background is a large yellow-green circle.Front cover of the journal “Physical Review Letters”, Volume 137, Issue 6, dated 7 August 2026. In the centre is a ring-shaped grey structure featuring numerous curved blue, green and purple lines. The illustration is surrounded by green and purple geometric elements.
Text: Cover of “Physical Review Letters” featuring a diagram of an improved Stellaris configuration"
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Today’s #SolarEclipse links astronomy and fusion history: in 1919 Arthur Eddington used an eclipse to test Einstein’s relativity. A year later, he suggested that stars shine by turning hydrogen into helium. More in Can We Tame Starfire?, filmed partly at IPP. #FusionEnergy ow.ly/RoJ950ZysA7
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
A plasma layer only centimetres thick can determine both heat confinement and wall protection. New IPP simulations explain how heat-carrying blobs form—and why magnetic-field direction affects access to H-mode. www.ipp.mpg.de/press-releas... #fusionenergy #nuclearfusion #science #physics
ipp.mpg.de
The edge decides: How turbulence determines the success of fusion power plants
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
We congratulate Dr. Alexander Feichtmayer on successfully completing his doctoral thesis!   He recently defended his thesis, ‘Advanced Concepts for the Characterization of Fusion-Relevant Materials’. And, of course, the traditional doctoral cap was a must-have for the defence! #FusionResearch #PhD
A man standing in the garden, wearing a black cloak, a white ruffled collar and a black doctoral hat.
A man wearing a black doctoral hat with miniature figures and small signs.
Text on Dr Alexander Feichtmayer’s doctoral thesis on the development of laboratory experiments for fusion-relevant materials and mechanical material properties.
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Congratulations to Dr Markus Wappl on successfully completing his doctoral thesis with the title "Stellarator-reactor confinement studies based on results from Wendelstein 7-X".   To honour him, his colleagues made this great doctoral hat with details that reflect his interests.   #FusionResearch
A person is standing in a seminar room, smiling, holding a bouquet of flowers. They are wearing a dark suit with a bow tie and an elaborately designed doctoral cap.
A close-up of the creatively designed academic cap. The top features a miniature landscape with moss, a picnic, a small figure, high and low ocean waves, a diagram and a green model of plasma in a stellarator.
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
A 2-megawatt gyrotron could soon heat plasma at Wendelstein 7-X — with the power of about 2,000 household microwaves. IPP, KIT, the University of Stuttgart and Thales are developing the source, cooling and beam transmission technology. www.ipp.mpg.de/hipmib26en
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
A fusion device can have a digital twin before the real machine even exists. Researchers are developing predictive models that combine physics, experiments, HPC and AI to test scenarios, identify risks and support the design of ITER and future fusion plants. doi.org/10.1088/1741... #fusionenergy
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Last week in Greifswald, representatives from digiLab met with scientists from the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics to discuss the AI strategy for Wendelstein 7-X, the potential implications of AI for the Institute and the challenges involved in ensuring its safe use in research.
Image with the caption “Workshop Review ‘AI for Fusion and Stellarator Research’”. In the background, a person is giving a talk in a lecture theatre, pointing towards a presentation screen with an outstretched arm. In front of them are a speaker’s podium and a computer screen; the heads of the audience are visible in the foreground, out of focus.
A scene from the workshop
A scene from the workshop
A scene from the workshop
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
"I MIGHT BE NERDY BUT I AM FASTER THAN YOU." With this humorous slogan on their shirts, 45 colleagues from the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics and in total 300 runners from the Max Planck Society recently joined the B2Run in Munich. Thanks to everyone who took part!
Group photo of around 30 participants at a company running event, standing on a sunny lawn in front of dense green trees. The group is wearing matching teal T-shirts, with several participants displaying race bibs, and looking toward the camera. Some are standing while others are kneeling or sitting in the front row. A small black dog wearing a red harness is sitting in the lower right corner. A decorative border featuring white running icons runs along the bottom of the image.
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Reposted by Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP)
Technische Universität München @tum.de · 15/07/2026
Researchers from TUM and @plasmaphysik.bsky.social have launched the FUMA consortium at the Garching campus to study materials for future #FusionPower plants. The project combines #neutron and #positron methods to investigate material damage and service life: go.tum.de/803245 📷W. Schürmann
go.tum.de
TUM and IPP Are Testing Materials for Fusion Power Plants
Materials for future fusion power plants are being tested at TUM's FRM II research reactor.
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Together, IPP, FRM II and Technische Universität München are investigating material damage at the atomic level to support the development of future fusion power plants. This new project FUMA is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) with 4.8 million euros.
An image with the headline “BMFTR supports ‘FUMA’” and the subtitle “From the atom to the plasma-facing wall: Centre of expertise for the optimisationof FUsion MAterials”. Below this is a group photo in front of a blue sign bearing the inscription “Heinz Maier-Leibnitz Research Neutron Source (FRM II)”. In the top right-hand corner is a small photograph of two specially prepared copper material.
Photos: Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics, Laura Richter, FRM II/TUM
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 09/07/2026
During two training sessions at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics in Garching, over 100 physics teachers recently gained an insight into fusion research and found new inspiration for their lessons.
An image showing two group photos. Both groups are standing on the steps in front of a building, looking at the camera. Between the photos is the caption: “Teacher training at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics in Garching”.
During two training sessions, the heads of the physics departments at grammar schools in the Munich and Eastern Upper Bavaria ministerial districts gained an insight into fusion research: The programm included presentations by Prof. Dr Ursel Fantz and PD Dr Thomas Pütterich, guided tours to ASDEX Upgrade and the energy centre and a workshop on aenergy simulation game.
 
Feedback from the participants was positive; some of the teaching materials presented are already being used in the classroom.
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 07/07/2026
Today is World Chocolate Day, a great opportunity to show the sweet side of plasma physics. Archive photo: IPP / A. Ullmann, 2012 #WorldChocolateDay #Plasmaphysiks #Wendelstein7-x
An image with the caption ‘The sweet side of plasma physics’. It shows numerous stacked bars of chocolate in various flavours. The Wendelstein 7-X stellerator can be seen out of focus in the background.The "chocolate unit" is a vivid unit to make the thermal energy of plasma easier to grasp.
But how does it actually work?
A 100-gramchocolate bar provides about 520 kcal of energy, which is roughly 2.18 million joules. Dr. Kleiber uses this value as a point of comparison.
Now we look at the plasma. What volume does it have? How many particles does it contain? How hot is it? From these three values, the thermal energy can be calculated and then divided by the "chocolate energy."
The results show that the plasma in Wendelstein 7-X has, at a single moment, a maximum thermal energy equivalent to 8.5 chocolate bars, exactly as many as are stacked in the small tower on the right of the photo.

That may sound like a small amount, but in a future fusion power plant it would already be 95 bars, even more than the large tower on the left shows, since the plasma there will have a bigger volume, a higher particle density, and a higher temperature.

Please note that this refers to the thermal energy of the plasma in a single snapshot, not to the fusion energy that would ultimately be produced.Here's how to calculate it:

Plasma parameters for a fusion reactor:
Volume V = 1000 m³
Particle density n = 1020 m⁻³
Temperature T = 108 K

The thermal energy content of the plasma is given by this formula
(kB is Boltzmann’s constant):
3/2 x kB × V × n × T = 2.07 × 10⁸ joules

A 100-gram bar of chocolate has a nutritional value of approximately 
520 kcal = 2.18 × 10⁶ joules

To convert from joules to bars, divide the energy content of the plasma by
the energy value of a single bar.

The thermal energy of the plasma in a future fusion reactor is therefore equivalent to the calorific value of around 95 bars of chocolate.

Now let us consider the plasma in the Wendelstein 7-X fusion facility.
The following applies there:
Volume V = 30 m³
Particle density n = 3 × 10²⁰ m⁻³
Temperature T < 10⁸ K

It follows that:
energy content < 18.6 × 10⁶ joules

The thermal energy of the plasma in Wendelstein 7-X is therefore equivalent to the calorific value of a maximum of 8.5 bars of chocolate.
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
Alan Goodman was also awarded the PhD Research Award by the European Physical Society for his doctoral thesis on ‘Quasi-isodynamic stellarator optimisation’. It focuses on the development of Stable Quasi-Isodynamic Designs, for which he created new mathematical tools. 📷: Ben Peters
An image featuring a turquoise colour gradient and the heading ‘Congratulations!’. In the centre is a portrait of Alan Goodman within a circular frame. Beneath the photograph are his name and the title ‘European Physical Society Plasma Physics Division PhD Research Award’. Infographic on Alan Goodman’s PhD Research Award. The text explains that he is being honoured for his PhD thesis entitled ‘Quasi-isodynamic stellarator optimisation’. The logo of the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics is shown in the bottom right-hand corner.
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 29/06/2026
Daniel Fajardo has been awarded the PhD Research Award from the European Physical Society (EPS). He is receiving the award for his doctoral thesis on ‘Theory-based integrated modelling of impurity transport in tokamaks’.   Congratulations to Dr Daniel Fajardo!   Photo: Elisabeth Jaletzke-Heer
An infographic featuring a turquoise colour gradient and the heading “Congratulations!”. In the centre is a portrait of Daniel Fajardo within a circular frame. Beneath the photograph are his name and the title “European Physical Society Plasma Physics Division PhD Research Award”. Infographic on Daniel Fajardo’s PhD Research Award. The text explains that he is being honoured for his PhD thesis ‘Theory-based integrated modelling of impurity transport in tokamaks’. The logo of the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics is shown at the bottom right.
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
Plasma in the microwave at Science Day in Greifswald Today many interested visitors found their way to our table in the Institute of Physics at the Universität Greifswald. Our scientists provided information about plasma and plasma physics. The hands-on experiments were particularly popular.
Zwei Mädchen berühren die Plasmakugel, dahinter steht ein Mann der mit ihnen spricht.Drei Menschen stehen nach vorne gebeugt und schauen in eine MikrowelleMehrere Menschen stehen mit dem Rücken zum Betrachter um Tische herum und unterhalten sich
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
We’re at the Science Dayof the Universität Greifswald! Discover exciting experiments, how plasma is created, how we study it at Wendelstein 7-X, and why fusion research matters. 📆 27 June 26 ⏰ 11 am – 4 pm 🗺️ Institute of Physics, University of Greifswald, Felix-Hausdorff-St. 6, Greifswald
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 18/06/2026
To learn more about fusion research, Saxony’s Minister President Michael Kretschmer, Members of the Bundestag Georg Günther and Philipp Amthor and Greifswald City Council member Torsten Heil (all CDU), visited. Experiment director Prof. Olaf Grulke gave a tour of the control room at Wendelstein 7-X.
Graphic with the headline: “Today, Saxony’s Minister-President Michael Kretschmer and Members of the German Bundestag visited the IPP.” Below, five people stand in the control room of the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics. Most are wearing suits and are engaged in conversation. Workstations and several monitors displaying technical information can be seen in the background.Four people stand in the control room of the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics and talk with each other. One person is explaining something while gesturing with a raised finger. The others listen attentively. In the background are large screens displaying measurement data and technical information, as well as additional workstations.
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
Four outstanding master’s theses, four IPP awards: Director Tim Happel presented the 2026 IPP Master Thesis Prize to Lucas Räß, Daniela Kropáčková, Simon Krumm and Eduardo Carra. Each award is worth €1,000. Congratulations! #science #physics #fusionenergy
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 15/06/2026
In preparation for the next operation phase in September, the bake-out of the Wendelstein 7-X plasma vessel begins today. This is done with hot water that flows through thin metal tubes on the outside to ensure a clean vessel and plasma.   📷: Wolfgang Filser, 2003 #Plasmaphysiks #Wendelstein7-X
A picture with the caption “Wendelstein 7-X – things are heating up”. It shows the outer wall of the plasma vessel at the Wendelstein 7-X, featuring thin, coiled pipes. An employee is inspecting the vessel, with a round opening in front of him that is illuminated by a warm orange light.
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
Why does this photo have such unusual colours? Find out on 20 & 21 June 2026 at the Open Day of the German Federal Government!   Come and visit us between 10 am and 6 pm at the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space in Berlin and learn more about plasma physics and fusion research.
At the top, the words “We are at the Open day of the Federal Government” and “10:00 am – 6:00 pm, Berlin” appear in white on an orange background. Below this, a person can be seen in a colour thermal image in shades of green, yellow, red and purple. They are holding a sheet of paper with the words “20./21. June 2026” written on it up to the camera.
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
The 23rd FIFA World Cup starts today!   The researchers from our institute featured in this video represent the international teamwork that is essential in both football and in fusion research. We wish all participating teams good luck! #worldcup #worldcup2026
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 01/06/2026
„Ein Wissenschaftler ist im Labor nicht nur Techniker – er ist auch ein Kind“ – Marie Curie Zum Internationalen Kindertag laden wir zu „Türen auf mit der Maus“ ein: Am 3.10. öffnen wir in Garching die Tore für Jung und Alt. Anmeldung: www.wdrmaus.de/tuer_oeffner_tag/202…
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Our Cryo Group has started to cool down the Wendelstein 7-X cryostat in preparation for the next operation phase (OP2.4) which is due to begin in September.
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Until Friday, Regensburg is the hub of fusion research: the marinaforum is hosting the 27th International Conference on Plasma-Surface Interactions in Controlled Fusion Devices. Almost 400 participants from 27 countries and three continents are there.
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 16/05/2026
To celebrate the International Day of Light, we take a look inside the vacuum vessel of Wendelstein 7-X. We see a close-up of a plasma discharge. This pink glow is caused by charged particles colliding and releasing the energy they have absorbed in form of light. #InternationalDayOfLight
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Congratulations to Prof. Hartmut Zohm, IPP Director in Garching, on receiving the Ernst Mach Honorary Medal from the Czech Academy of Sciences in Prague — honouring his lifelong contributions to plasma physics, fusion research and international collaboration. #fusionenergy #physics
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
We just can’t get enough of such cool photos! Following a break for maintenance and refurbishment, our ASDEX Upgrade tokamak in Garching was brought back online two weeks ago. The 360-degree photo was taken shortly before the vessel was sealed. Photo: MPI for Plasma Physics, Simon Heckmair
Fisheye view of the interior vacuum vessel of the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak. The walls are lined with numerous metal tiles forming a cylindrical structure, accented by distinctive blue background lighting.
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
Congratulations to Tim Happel on his appointment as Professor at the Technical University of Munich. Since 1 April 2026, IPP Director Prof. Dr Tim Happel has held the newly created Chair of Plasma Dynamics at TUM. #fusionenergy #nuclearfusion
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
300,000 pulses at GLADIS — and the next step is bigger: a €3.2M upgrade will extend tests from seconds to up to 30 minutes. That matters for SPARC studies, fusion wall components and future steady-state power plants. #fusionenergy #nuclearfusion
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 25/03/2026
This week at IPP: STEM students curious about fusion get a closer look at the field.
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Die Schließung des Plasmagefäßes nach einer Wartungsphase ist immer ein magischer Moment für das Team. Heute war es wieder soweit. Danke an das fantastische Team! #kernfusion #fusionenergy #nuclearfusion #engineering #science #physics #physik #wissenschaft
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
IPP, Bavarian State Government, Proxima Fusion and RWE sign memorandum of understanding for a demonstration stellarator Alpha and more. www.ipp.mpg.de/mou26en
ipp.mpg.de
IPP, Bavarian State Government, Proxima Fusion and RWE sign memorandum of understanding
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
When heat transport flips: simulations explain the formation of the H-mode. Explanation of a 40+ year old mystery. www.ipp.mpg.de/zholobenko-h...
ipp.mpg.de
When heat transport flips: simulations explain the formation of the H-mode
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
2025 was an exciting year for fusion research again. We wish you a merry christmas and a happy new year! #fusionenergy #nuclearfusion
Vacuum vessel of the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak in a snowstormVacuum vessel of the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator in a snowstorm
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
Am 10. 12. hatte unser Wendelstein 7-X Geburtstag. Vor zehn Jahren zündete er sein erstes Plasma. Aus diesem Anlass zeichneten unsere Direktoren Hartmut Zohm und Thomas Klinger eine Sonderfolge für „Urknall, Weltall und das Leben“ auf. youtu.be/5LOTo3yDXN #science #kernfusion #fusionenergy
Ein Kameramann filmt, wie Thomas Klinger und Hartmut Zohm sich stehend unterhalten. Im Hintergrund ein Segment des alten Stellarators Wendelstein 7-AS

Kameramann mit Kamera filmt Thomas KlingerDie IPP-Direktoren Thomas Klinger und Hartmut Zohm sitzen an einem runden Tisch. Rechts ist eine Kamera aufgebaut, die sie filmt
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
The 7th Forum Fusion will bring together leading figures from research, the start-up scene, industry, the Federal Ministry of Research and the European Commission. Registration and further information about the programme: www.filo.kit.edu
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
Our Wendelstein 7-X stellarator is about to celebrate an anniversary! www.ipp.mpg.de/5585948/10ja...
A technician in white clean-room clothing performs maintenance inside the highly complex, metallic plasma vessel of the Wendelstein 7-X fusion experiment in Greifswald. The image shows the reflective, tile-covered inner walls of the stellarator (photo taken in November 2025).
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
Are you studying a STEM subject in Germany and can you imagine working on the development of a fusion power plant in the future? Then apply here: info.bmftr-fusionsforschung.de/-lp/8PD60325...
Key visual of the Fusion Academy with the date 22-27 March 2026 and the location Garching. Message: Paving the Way for Tomorrow's Fusion Experts
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 06/10/2025
Steht das erste Fusionskraftwerk der Welt in Deutschland? Macht China das Rennen? Oder haben die USA die Nase vorn? Der NZZ-Podcast „Quantensprung“ gibt einen Überblick über wichtige Akteure der Fusionsforschung. www.nzz.ch/podcast/kern...
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Max-Planck-Institut für Plasmaphysik (IPP) @plasmaphysik.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
Die MPG hat einen wunderbaren Film über einen Messtag bei ASDEX Upgrade gedreht. Premiere am 24.9.2025 um 16 Uhr mit Live-Chat. Lohnt sich! youtu.be/tdfl3F3tESI?...
youtu.be
Kernfusion im Tokamak: Kryopumpe, Bootstrapstrom, Dauerbetrieb – Doku
YouTube video by MaxPlanckSociety
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