Ian Chapman, Head of CCFE
Head of CCFE Professor Ian Chapman has received the Royal Society’s Kavli Medal for his contributions to fusion research.
Each year the Royal Society – the world’s oldest independent scientific academy – awards a selection of medals and prizes recognizing the work of scientists across the globe.
The Kavli Medal and Lecture is awarded by the Royal Society for scientific or engineering excellence relevant to energy or the environment.
This year it has gone to Prof Chapman in recognition of his “scientific insight that has illuminated the complex physics of confined plasmas and prepared the way for fusion burn”.
Fusion researchers aim to achieve a “burning plasma” – one in which the energy of the helium nuclei produced by the fusion reaction is enough to maintain the temperature of the plasma. This is a key part of producing economical fusion electricity, meaning that external heating systems could be reduced or switched off in a fusion power plant.
Prof Chapman will receive the award in 2020 and give a prize lecture as part of the ceremony.
