Active Research Projects
Disruption Mitigation Research
Design against off-normal events is an essential part of fusion energy research. The rapid quench of the tokamak plasma (called a 'disruption') releases a burst of energy into the reactor vessel that must be controlled. Research involves designing systems and techniques to manage this energy release in a benign manner.
Disruption Prediction in Tokamaks
Understanding the chain of events that leads to abrupt plasma terminations is a focus of Columbia tokamak research.
News
Columbia Fusion Research Center Celebrates Spring 2026 Graduates
The Columbia Fusion Research Center is proud to celebrate another outstanding graduating cohort of bachelor’s and master’s students this spring.
New Minor Prepares Students for Fusion Industry
Columbia Engineering has announced the launch of its new minor in fusion energy, an innovative program designed to provide Engineering students an opportunity to engage with fusion while completing their main degree. This new program prepares students to work in the fusion industry or other high-tech sectors or to pursue graduate studies in fusion or plasma physics.
IAEA and Columbia Fusion Research Center Sign Practical Arrangement to Advance Fusion Education and Research
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Columbia Fusion Research Center have signed a new practical arrangement aimed at strengthening international collaboration in fusion research, education, and training.