We sat down with Dr. Heather Lewtas, Chair of SOFE 2023 and UKAEA's Head of Innovation. Dr. Lewtas shared her insights on the conference, the significance of international collaborations, and the role of UKAEA in advancing fusion technology.
Interviewer: Could you please elaborate on your role and responsibilities at SOFE?
Dr. Heather Lewtas: Absolutely. So, I am on the Fusion Technology Committee, which is the IEEE Institute of Electrical Electronic Engineers Committee responsible for SOFE. I am the chair for the conference representing UKAEA. As the host institute, we formed a local organizing committee for SOFE, and I chaired that committee. My role was to ensure the seamless coordination of various aspects, ensuring that everyone worked in harmony to deliver the best conference possible. This involved collaborating with technical chairs, events management, and various stakeholders to create a successful event.
Interviewer: From your experience, how crucial do you consider international collaborations for achieving success?
Dr. Heather Lewtas: International collaborations are absolutely critical for the success of fusion research and development. Fusion's challenges, especially those related to energy security and climate change, are global in nature. No single entity can address them alone. Collaboration allows us to pool resources, share knowledge, and leverage each other's expertise. The fusion community has a long history of international cooperation, and it is this collaborative spirit that will drive breakthroughs and expedite the realization of fusion as a viable energy source.
Interviewer: From your experience, how crucial do you consider international collaborations for achieving success?
Dr. Heather Lewtas: International collaborations are absolutely critical for the success of fusion research and development. Fusion's challenges, especially those related to energy security and climate change, are global in nature. No single entity can address them alone. Collaboration allows us to pool resources, share knowledge, and leverage each other's expertise. The fusion community has a long history of international cooperation, and it is this collaborative spirit that will drive breakthroughs and expedite the realization of fusion as a viable energy source.
Interviewer: In what ways can UKAEA play a significant role in facilitating and strengthening international relations?
Dr. Heather Lewtas: As the UK's National Fusion Lab, UKAEA is uniquely positioned to foster and enhance international collaborations. Our historical association with global fusion efforts, such as JET (Joint European Torus), and our active participation in various international initiatives provide a strong foundation for collaboration. Moreover, the Fusion Cluster, which operates from our site, brings together a diverse group of fusion and supply chain companies on an international scale. Through initiatives like these, we can facilitate knowledge exchange, joint projects, and technology transfer, ultimately accelerating progress towards fusion's global goals.
Dr. Heather Lewtas' insights shed light on the pivotal role of international collaborations in driving fusion research forward. Her vision aligns with SOFE's mission of uniting minds and resources from around the world to pave the way for a sustainable and prosperous future powered by fusion energy.