Workforce Expansion in the Inertial Fusion Science and Technology (RISE) Hub for Inertial Fusion Energy

With the rapid growth and development of potential commercial fusion power plants, the urgency of building a skilled workforce is increasing. Therefore, it is necessary to train and educate early-career scientists and engineers to be able to work for current and future employment in fusion-related fields. In the Inertial Fusion Science and Technology (RISE) Hub, efforts are underway to address this urgency. Specifically in the RISE Hub, we train the next generation of “fusioneers” by involving them in every level of Hub activities. Here, we describe several training, outreach, and educational activities that are led by early-career scientists and engineers, graduate students, and postdoctoral researchers, under the supervision of Hub professionals. These activities educate and train students on key aspects of fusion systems, from the laser driver technologies to the target design, manufacturing, simulation, and validation. In addition, several of these initiatives are being supported by industry partners, national laboratories, and universities, facilitating the transition of knowledge between fusion experts and students. The goals of these outreach efforts led by the RISE Hub are not only to train and educate a skilled workforce but to grow young leaders and broaden their participation in developing commercial fusion power plants.