Joint Institute for Fusion Theory

The Joint Institute for Fusion Theory (JIFT) is one of the three programs through which the US-Japan Fusion Research Collaboration is organized. The other two programs are the Fusion Physics Planning Committee (FPPC) and the Fusion Technology Planning Committee (FTPC).
 

Objectives

The distinctive objectives of the JIFT program are:

• to advance the theoretical understanding of plasmas, with special emphasis on stability, equilibrium, heating, and transport in magnetic fusion systems.
• to develop fundamental theoretical and computational tools and concepts for understanding nonlinear plasma phenomena.
   

Both objectives are pursued through collaborations between U.S. and Japanese scientists by means of various types of exchange program activities, namely, workshops, exchange visitors.
 

Projects

Each year the JIFT program usually consists of four topical workshops (two in each country) and six exchange scientists (three from each country).

• The workshops typically have an attendance of 15-30 participants, of whom usually three to seven scientists (depending on the particular workshop) travel to the workshop from the non-host country.  Scientists from countries other than the U.S. and Japan are also often invited to participate in JIFT workshops, either as observers or multi-laterals.
• Of the approximately three exchange visitors in each direction every year, one (called the "JIFT Visiting Professor") is supported by the host country, while the others (called "Exchange Scientists") are supported by the sending country.  The visits of the Exchange Scientists usually last from several weeks to a month or two in duration, whereas the Visiting Professors normally stay for three months
   

The topics and also the participating scientists for the JIFT exchange visits and workshops are selected so as to have a balanced representation of critical issues in magnetic fusion research, including both fundamental problems as well as questions of near-term significance, and also to take into account the specific capabilities and interests of both countries. The Japanese and U.S. members of the JIFT Steering Committee agree together on the appropriateness of proposed topics before recommending them.