DIII-D Leadership Team

Welcome to the DIII-D National Fusion Facility

Richard Buttery, DIII-D Director

The DIII-D National Fusion Facility is committed to the development of fusion as a viable energy source through collaboration among a large and talented team of fusioneers from around the globe. We aim to close out the key questions and pioneer the required techniques and technologies to make fusion energy production a reality.

As a Department of Energy Office of Science user facility, DIII-D operates an open but controlled program, accessible to all interested parties, with any participant able to propose new and exciting ideas. For each research campaign, all proposed experiments are reviewed by a panel of technical experts based on a combination of scientific merit, alignment with program goals, and technical feasibility. DIII-D serves as a platform to test many different approaches to fusion, whether they involve new technologies that must be explored in the plasma environment or sophisticated plasma manipulation techniques to deliver the performance and robustness required in a fusion reactor.

DIII-D is an incredibly flexible device, able to make and study an amazing range of plasma configurations and approaches. This flexibility is combined with one of the world’s most comprehensive set of tools to allow researchers to investigate fusion reaction events and subsequently develop and analyze solutions for future fusion power plants. Importantly, our outstanding engineering team is able to implement new technologies and systems as required for rapid deliver and testing of innovative ideas.

The DIII-D team is a collaboration of individuals working together to deliver one of the world’s leading science programs. Our collaboration comprises leading national laboratories, universities, and private companies, all working as a team to jointly develop plans and support each other’s work. The program naturally generates leadership and many other opportunities to develop the fusion workforce, and intentional efforts to support early-career scientists and those from historically marginalized communities are ongoing for rapid career development.

Our program is goal oriented and targeted on developing fusion as a practical carbon-free energy solution for humanity. Our team is exceptional, leading the international field with their insights, technical expertise, and scientific understanding. We look forward to continuing to make key advances in fusion science to accelerate the achievement of commercially viable fusion power.

Join us!