Join us for Fusion Connect, a celebration and networking reception bringing together Fusion Energy Insights, the Fusion Industry Association and the Fusion Cluster to highlight the exciting activity in the fusion industry in the UK and internationally towards clean, sustainable, economical fusion power.

Together we will celebrate international progress in fusion and make connections that can enable the continued and accelerated development of fusion in the UK and worldwide. This will be a networking opportunity for our collective members and key figures from across the wider international fusion ecosystem.

Hear about the developments and plans for fusion both in the UK and worldwide, with addresses from:

Andrew Bowie MP, Minister for Nuclear and Networks
Andrew Holland, CEO, Fusion Industry Association
Tim Bestwick, Chief Development Officer, United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
Valerie Jamieson, Development Manager, The Fusion Cluster

See demonstrations from UK fusion companies First Light Fusion and Tokamak Energy.

And walk away with the new 2023 Fusion Cluster Directory.

Tickets are free for members of Fusion Energy Insights, the Fusion Industry Association or the Fusion Cluster (check your announcement email or enquire directly for your promo code). A limited number of tickets are available for non-members to purchase.

Your host

Dr Melanie Windridge

Dr Melanie Windridge is a specialist in fusion energy who helps people see the value, opportunities and excitement of fusion. Melanie is the founder and CEO of Fusion Energy Insights, which keeps people up to date with developments in the growing fusion industry. She has a PhD in plasma physics (fusion energy) from Imperial College London and she sits on the Advisory Boards of the UK Fusion Cluster and US non-profit Energy for the Common Good. Melanie was previously UK Director of the Fusion Industry Association. In 2022 she was elected a Fellow of the Clean Growth Leadership Network. Melanie is the author of Aurora: In Search of the Northern Lights and Star Chambers: the race for fusion power.

Speakers

Andrew Bowie MP

Andrew Bowie is the Conservative MP for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine, and has been an MP continuously since 8 June 2017. He currently holds the Government post of Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Energy Security and Net Zero).

Andrew Holland

Andrew Holland is the Chief Executive Officer of the Fusion Industry Association and has worked at the intersections of science, energy, policy and politics for two decades. In 2013 he wrote the report, “Fusion Power – A 10 Year Plan for American Energy Security”. At the FIA, he advocates for the emerging private fusion industry before Congress, the White House, regulators, international bodies, and with governments around the world. An expert in energy policy and international strategy, he led the American Security Project's energy and climate work, rising to lead the organisation as Chief Operating Officer and worked in the US Senate as Energy and Environmental Policy Legislative Assistant to US Senator Chuck Hagel. He is a Member of the International Institute for Strategic Studies and he holds a MSc. in International Strategy and Economics from the University of St. Andrews.

Tim Bestwick

Dr Tim Bestwick is Chief Development Officer and Deputy CEO at the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), the UK public body researching fusion energy and related technologies. He is a previous Chair of the Eureka Network, the world’s largest network for international cooperation in innovation, and a previous director of Oxford Venturefest. Tim has a particular interest and long track record in commercialising innovation arising from ‘big science’ programmes, including major collaborations with business, developing science and innovation campuses and setting up many spin-out companies.

Valerie Jamieson

Dr Valerie Jamieson manages the The Fusion Cluster. She joined UKAEA in Oxfordshire after many years at New Scientist, where she saw first-hand the ingenuity, dedication and passion of the scientists and engineers working to overcome the vast challenges that fusion presents. She now brings her significant skills and experience to UKAEA in developing a vibrant cluster of fusion technology organisations. Valerie has a PhD in particle physics.

Find out about Fusion Energy Insights at www.fusionenergyinsights.com

Find out about the Fusion Industry Association at www.fusionindustryassociation.org

Find out about the Fusion Cluster at https://thefusioncluster.com

Fusion Connect - Celebration & Networking Reception