CERN of Energy Fusion (F4E), a European nuclear research institute and EU agency that manages its contribution to Europe’s ITER, has signed the Landmark Framework Collaboration Agreement.
The alliance aims to accelerate advances in frontier technology, including the long-term pursuit of high-temperature superconducting magnets and fusion energy.
The agreement strengthened the partnership that began in 2014, and initially focused on studying the effects of radiation on materials. It was then expanded in April 2025 to cover Radiofrequency (RF) power couplers.
Now, the scope has expanded significantly, opening the door to ambitious collaborative projects in engineering, testing and scientific development.
Commenting on the partnership, Mike Lamont, director of accelerators and technology at Cern, said:
“CERN and F4E face many of the same challenges, ranging from advanced magnetic technology to the implementation of sustainable projects over decades. This agreement strengthens partnerships based on mutual benefits and long-term commitment.”
Fusion energy explained
Fusion energy is often referred to as the “Holy Grail” of beautiful power. It replicates the same process of fueling the sun. The combination of photonuclei such as hydrogen isotopes creates heavier elements while releasing enormous amounts of energy.
Unlike nuclear fission, which divides atoms and produces long-lived radioactive waste, fusions provide a rich, safe, and virtually lean energy promise.
To utilize fusion, extreme conditions are required. This is a temperature higher than the solar nucleus and a strong magnetic field to trap plasma.
Projects like Iter in France, supported by the F4E, aim to demonstrate that controlled fusion can expand into practical and sustainable energy sources for the future.
How partnerships drive technology breakthroughs
The new framework sets out areas where CERN and F4E work closely together.
Engineering and construction of large-scale scientific instruments. Testing and verifying advanced materials, systems, and components. Project management and monitoring of complex scientific initiatives. Knowledge transfer between research institutions and industries. R&D in physics and engineering. The application has been extended beyond basic science.
These efforts coincided with CERN’s establishment of a dedicated fusion technology coordination unit in 2023.
This unit unites accelerator physics, magnet design, and technology transfer experts to ensure particle physics innovations serve the broader energy and engineering challenges.
F4E Director Marc Lachaise added: “Through this cooperation agreement, we will strengthen our F4E delivery capabilities and in parallel address and answer complex questions in the fields of fusion energy and particle physics.
“Working together we leverage the excellence, talent and expertise that arise from the large international projects managed by the two organizations.
“This collaboration is essential to advances in fusion energy and collaboration in science. It’s a great step in the right direction.”
Promoting EU fusion efforts
By combining CERN’s expertise in large-scale research infrastructure with F4E’s leadership in fusion technology, the agreement strengthens Europe’s position in the global race towards fusion energy.
This collaboration is not only a major step in science and engineering, but also a potential turning point in humanity’s quest for infinite carbon-free powers.
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