Zhang Guangjun, Vice Minister of Science and Technology, Attends the Opening Ceremony of the ITER International School and Visits the Southwestern Institute of Physics

On July 20, 2026, the opening ceremony of the 15th International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) International School was held in Leshan City, Sichuan Province. Spanning five days, this edition of the ITER International School focused on the theme "Physics and Systems Engineering of Magnetic Confinement Fusion Plasma Heating and Current Drive Systems," featuring academic training and exchanges through thematic lectures, technical seminars, and tours of experimental facilities. The event was co-hosted by the ITER Organization and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), organized by the Southwestern Institute of Physics (SWIP) and the College of Engineering and Technology at Chengdu University of Technology, and attended by over 180 young participants from 21 countries.

Zhang Guangjun, Vice Minister of Science and Technology; Alfonso Marquez, Deputy Director of the ITER Construction Department; Huang Ping, Secretary-General of the China Atomic Energy Authority (CAEA); Xin Feng, Deputy General Manager of the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC); and Lu Jun, Secretary of the Leshan Municipal Party Committee, attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches. Najat Mokhtar, IAEA Deputy Director General, delivered a video address. Also in attendance were Wang Yan and Wang Min, Director and Deputy Director of the China International Nuclear Fusion Energy Program Execution Center; Lu Songming, Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and Director of the Sichuan Provincial Department of Science and Technology; and Zhao Yingchun, Deputy Secretary of the Leshan Municipal Party Committee and Mayor of Leshan.

Vice Minister Zhang Guangjun stated that nuclear fusion energy—characterized by abundant resources, environmental friendliness, and inherent safety—represents a key direction for future energy development. He noted that China consistently upholds the principles of openness, inclusiveness, and win-win cooperation, continuously promoting the global sharing of major scientific research infrastructure and striving to build an internationalized, open ecosystem for scientific innovation. He encouraged the young participants to broaden their academic horizons, stimulate scientific thinking, and foster international friendships through the exchange of ideas, thereby contributing their youthful wisdom and strength to the global advancement of nuclear fusion.

Following the opening ceremony, Vice Minister Zhang Guangjun visited the Southwestern Institute of Physics for an inspection tour, accompanied by Wang Yan and Wang Min from the China International Nuclear Fusion Energy Program Execution Center.