Building the IFE-STAR Ecosystem: National Coordination and Workforce Development for Inertial Fusion Energy

The IFE-STAR (Inertial Fusion Energy Science and Technology Accelerated Research) Ecosystem is a nationwide collaborative network that advances the science and engineering foundations necessary to realize inertial fusion energy (IFE) as a sustainable power source. Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, IFE-STAR connects national labs, universities, and industry to accelerate progress through interdisciplinary research, workforce development, and public engagement. In 2025, IFE-STAR’s Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program supported over 50 students from community colleges and universities across the country. These students engaged in hands-on research, professional development workshops, research seminars, national lab tours, and mentoring throughout the summer. Students from community colleges and universities nationwide are encouraged to apply. The program culminates in a national undergraduate research symposium in Washington, DC. IFE-STAR also hosts an annual conference (~200 participants in 2025) and supports outreach events across its regional hubs to grow the IFE community. Learn more at ifestar.org.