Fusion Energy Week Logo

Fusion Energy Week
May 5  –9, 2025

Conceptual illustration depicting the global connections related to fusion
Illustration by Thumỹ Phan for U.S. Fusion Outreach

Fusion Energy Week

Fusion energy powers the sun and stars. We are closer than ever to harnessing this type of clean energy here on earth. Dr. Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin discovered what our sun and stars are made of, which led to our understanding of fusion. In honor of Dr. Payne-Gaposchkin’s birthday on May 10th, Fusion Energy Week will be held annually in the second week of May.

Amazing things are happening right now in fusion energy science and technology. Fusion energy has never been closer to appearing on the electrical grid, which has the potential to completely transform the global energy market. In the collaborative world of modern science, we all have an opportunity to not only watch this amazing transformation happen, but to be a part of it!

Fusion Energy Week will connect the public with those currently working in fusion energy around the world at laboratories, universities and companies who support this pursuit of a clean, safe, and robust energy alternative. Join us for a series of events during the week of May 5–9th when we will come together to celebrate the science and technology that will make fusion the energy solution of tomorrow.

To learn more about fusion energy, visit usfusionenergy.org or attend one of the many fusion events listed below! If you would like to host your own Fusion Energy Week event, please contact us using the “Submit an Event” button. 

Submit an Event Fusion Energy Week: 2024 Events

Interested in hosting an event but want to learn more? Use the above link to submit your questions and we will get back to you!

Further information on hosting an event can be found on our event resources page, alongside downloadable content to assist with advertising and messaging.

Cecilia Payne Illustration

Illustration by Thumỹ Phan 
for U.S. Fusion Outreach

Cecilia Payne

What are stars made of? How do stars make their energy? We know the answers to these questions thanks to Dr. Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin, who discovered that the stars, like our Sun, are mostly made of hydrogen and helium. This led to our understanding of fusion—the reaction that powers our sun and the stars. These elements are the “fuel” that powers fusion reactions inside the sun in a giant fusion engine. Together, we are working to build fusion engines here on Earth. Join the celebration and join the movement to bring the power of the stars to Earth.

Fusion Energy Week Events

Coffee with a Fusion Scientist

May 5, 2025 | 12–1pm
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)

Fusion Fun at the Library

May 7, 2025 | 1–3pm
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)

Knoxville Fusion Happy Hour

May 8, 2025 | 4–7pm
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)

PPPL Fusion Trivia (Private Event)

May 6, 2025 | 12:45–1:45pm
Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL)

DIII-D National Fusion Facility Tours

May 9, 2025 | 9am–5pm
General Atomics (GA)

Inside NearStar Fusion: Facility Tour

May 7, 2025 | 4–6pm
NearStar Fusion

Energy Superabundance: Virtual Course

Fusion Lightning Talks at Columbia University

May 6, 2025 | 3:45–5:45pm
Columbia University

Inside Columbia’s Fusion Labs: Lab Tours

May 8, 2025 | 2–4pm
Columbia University

Fusion Social & Science Talks with Columbia University

May 9, 2025 | 4–6pm
Columbia University

Fusion & Brews: A Science Café on the Future of Energy

May 8, 2025 | 4–6pm
Columbia University

Fusion Trivia Night at Dark Horse Tavern

Plasma Palette at NC State

May 1, 2025 | 2–4pm
North Carolina State University

A Taste of Fusion: Exploring the Future of Energy

May 8, 2025 | 6–8pm
Taste of Science San Diego

Introduction to Fusion Energy at Shorewood High School

May 9, 2025 | 7:30am–2pm
University of Wisconsin, Madison

Forging a Future in Fusion: Career Pathways & Networking Panel (Hybrid)