Prof. Carlos Paz-Soldan addressed all attendees of the Fusion Industry Association (FIA) Policy Conference in Washington, D.C., on March 18–19, highlighting the critical role of workforce development in accelerating the commercialization of fusion energy. Speaking to an audience of policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and academics, Paz-Soldan described Columbia’s fusion program and outlined the center’s efforts to expand the fusion talent pipeline.
Paz-Soldan emphasized that workforce development and supply chain growth are closely linked challenges facing the fusion sector. Drawing on findings from the FIA’s workforce studies, he noted that fusion companies are increasingly recruiting talent from adjacent industries, including aerospace, nuclear energy, and advanced manufacturing. He called for the creation of a dedicated national fusion workforce development program in the United States, modeled on successful initiatives in Europe and the United Kingdom, and highlighted the importance of partnerships among industry, national laboratories, and universities. Paz-Soldan urged stakeholders to elevate workforce issues in conversations with government leaders, stressing that academic institutions are uniquely positioned to train the next generation of fusion professionals.
Columbia students also attended the Policy Conference, and broadened the engagement of the Columbia Fusion Research Center with industry professionals.
