Talks and shows

The need for fusion

Explore and delve into fusion energy's complex scientific underpinnings.
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Join us for a captivating academic discourse on the need for fusion energy, where audiences are invited to explore and delve into fusion energy's complex scientific underpinnings.

Mark Maslin, a preeminent researcher from UCL, will initiate the event by elucidating the interplay between fusion energy's development and its positioning in the broader energy market. In doing so, he will provide a comprehensive understanding of how fusion can address escalating global energy demands and combat the pressing challenges of climate change.

Dennis Whyte, a respected scholar from MIT, will delve into the formidable complexities of plasma physics, a crucial aspect of the fusion process. Thus, educating audiences on the remarkable progress made in overcoming the obstacles that hinder fusion's practical development.

Jenny Cane from UKAEA, an expert in fusion engineering, will demonstrate the importance of integrated design and materials research in fusion energy development. She will provide unique insights into the physical demands and stresses that must be considered when designing fusion power plants.

This event encourages a thorough understanding of fusion energy and its potential to reshape the global energy landscape. Whether you are an esteemed academic, a passionate researcher, an aspiring scientist, or an ardent student, the evening offers an exceptional opportunity to engage with leading-edge scientific discourse.

This event is in collaboration with the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA).

Event type

This is a theatre and livestream event for an adult audience, where the speakers and audience in our Theatre are joined by our audience online. 

By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's event terms and conditions. You also agree to abide by our code of conduct, and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants. Please note that Eventbrite adds a small booking fee to the amount paid for each ticket option.

For any queries regarding this event please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

About the Speakers

Jenny Cane is the Technical Lead for the STEP In-Vessel Components, responsible for the design and performance of the systems that lay closest to the plasma – the Blanket, First Wall, Divertor, Shielding, Limiters and Vacuum-Vessel.   After graduating from a DPhil in the Aerodynamics and Heat Transfer of Ramjet Engines at Oxford University Jenny decided to move into renewable energy engineering and spent 7 years at the Wind Turbine manufacturer – Vestas,  working as a control; project; and aerodynamics engineer both in the UK and the USA.   Jenny began working as an thermo-hydraulics engineer at UKAEA in 2013 working on the JET safety case.  She then moved into a lead engineer role for JET as it prepared for the record breaking deuterium-tritium campaigns; before moving to the STEP programme in 2019.  She is a Fellow of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, has two children and enjoys, running, cycling, tap dancing and gardening in her spare time. 

Mark Maslin FRGS, FRSA is a Professor of Earth System Science at UCL and the Natural History Museum of Denmark. He is also Strategy Advisor to Lansons, Net Zero Now, a CSR Board member of Sopra Steria and a member of the Climate Crisis Advisory Group. He is a leading scientist with particular interest in understanding climate change and the major challenges facing humanity in the 21st century.  He has published over 190 papers in journals such as Science, Nature, and The Lancet. He has received research, consultancy and training funding worth over £75m from government, charities, NGOs and the private sector. He was the only climatologist on the original 2009 The Lancet report on climate change and global health and is a co-author on the annual Lancet Countdown reports that started in 2015. Mark has written 10 books and 100 popular articles (e.g., New Scientist, Independent, Guardian, Telegraph, New York Times and The Conversation on which he currently has over 5.5 million reads). He regularly appears on radio and television, including BBC One David Attenborough’s ‘Climate Change: the facts’. His books include ‘Climate Change: A Very Short Introduction - 4th edition’ (2021), ‘The Cradle of Humanity’ (2019), ‘The Human Planet’ with Simon Lewis (2018) and his latest book is ‘How to Save Our Planet: the Facts’ (2021).  Mark was recently named the Number 1 Global Sustainability thought leader and influencer of 2023.   

Tim Bestwick is Chief Development Officer and Deputy CEO at the UK Atomic Energy Authority.  Tim joined UKAEA in 2018 after leading commercialisation and innovation from big science programmes and campus development at Harwell and Daresbury. Following a career in corporate research in electronic devices and optoelectronics - including IBM and Sharp - Tim has been involved in establishing and growing multiple technology start-up companies. He was Chair of the Eureka Network, the major international business to business innovation network and is Chair of the Harwell Science and Innovation Campus. Tim was awarded an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours List in 2023 for services to the commercialisation of science, technology, and innovation.

 

Timing

Doors to the theatre will open at 7.00pm. The event will begin at 7.30pm.

Accessibility

The event will take place on the first floor and there is step-free access from the street via lift.

The closest underground station is Green Park, which is step-free.

There is space at floor level in the theatre for wheelchair users.

Seating is usually unreserved for our events. If you and your group require seating reservations, please do let us know by emailing us at events@ri.ac.uk, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Carers can receive a free ticket to an event by emailing events@ri.ac.uk.

Our theatre is equipped with an Audio Induction Loop. 

Covid guidelines

Face masks are no longer mandatory and wearing one in our Theatre and at other Ri events is at your discretion, however please do not attend the Ri if you are displaying Covid symptoms or, if you have tested, the result remains positive. Thank you for respecting other people and their choices, and for helping us keep all of our visitors and staff safe and well.

Event terms and conditions

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Are you a patron of the Ri?

As a patron you are offered a number of complimentary tickets, please get in touch with your patron manager to discuss this.