IPFN host FuseCOM 2026
Between 6 and 8 May, IPFN hosted the 2026 edition of the FuseCOM Retreat, an annual meeting gathering 25 science communicators from fusion research institutions and partner organisations across several European countries. Co-organised by IPFN and EUROfusion, the event took place in Lisbon and focused on storytelling, science communication and public engagement in fusion research.
Created within the framework of EUROfusion, FuseCOM is an European network that connects science communication professionals from research institutions and universities dedicated to fusion energy. Through annual meetings, monthly online sessions and collaborative communication tools, the network promotes the exchange of best practices, the alignment of communication strategies and the development of joint science outreach initiatives at a European level.
The central theme of this year’s edition was storytelling and effective communication, explored through training and interactive sessions led by Andrea Brunello, independent researcher, playwright, director and actor specialising in theatre-science. Through practical exercises, group dynamics and icebreaker activities, participants reflected on the challenges of communicating complex and often misunderstood scientific topics, such as fusion energy, to wider audiences.
At the opening of the meeting, participants were welcomed by the President of Instituto Superior Técnico, Rogério Colaço, who highlighted the “importance of bringing science closer to society through communication and educational initiatives”. In the same spirit, Bruno Gonçalves, the President of IPFN, reinforced that “science communication combats misinformation and promotes a closer, more transparent and informed relationship between science and society”, through examples of science education programmes, talks, or taking part in the TV news.
Joana Lobo Antunes, Head of Communications at Técnico, offered insights into the evolution of the institution’s communication strategies between 2019 and 2026, highlighting several initiatives designed to bring scientific research closer to society, including social media communication strategies and science communication projects such as the award-winning “110 stories, 110 objects”, which combines podcast, newspaper, sculpture, book and exhibition formats.
Initiatives such as “Explain it like I’m five” and Técnico’s Open Day exemplified how science communication can strengthen the connection between research and society, with IPFN contributing regularly to these events. The session also reflected on the impact of these strategies in increasing the visibility of the research developed at Técnico and encouraging greater researcher participation in science communication and outreach activities.
The programme also featured presentations led by members of the FuseCOM network, dedicated to communication strategies, training and outreach initiatives in the context of fusion research. Eva Belonohy reinforced EUROfusion’s training and education activities, whilist Tamás Szabolics addressed EUROfusion’s communication strategy for 2026–27.
Lorenzo Capisani delivered a session dedicated to the European strategy for fusion energy and the Chinese fusion programme, Duarte Borba shared EUROfusion’s future plans, and Markus Airila presented projects and experiences developed in Finland in the field of communication and outreach in fusion research. The programme also included presentations by Deepti Choubey on ITER, the world’s largest international fusion project and by Dario Cruz on the activities of FuseNet, the European network dedicated to education and training in fusion.
Pedro Russo, President of Ciência Viva, reflected on the role of scientific culture and science education in Portugal, highlighting Mariano Gago’s legacy in promoting scientific literacy and equity in access to science. The session was followed by a visit to the Pavilhão do Conhecimento, in Lisbon, where participants had the opportunity to explore several interactive activities dedicated to science communication.
Participants also had the opportunity to visit several IPFN laboratories, including the Plasma Engineering Laboratory (PEL), MOTLab and the ISTTOK Tokamak. Beyond the formal sessions, the retreat also included social and cultural activities across Lisbon, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that has characterised the FuseCOM network for more than two decades.
The retreat concluded with a surf activity at one of the beaches along the Costa da Caparica coastline, providing a more informal moment of interaction and bringing the three-day meeting to a close in a relaxed atmosphere by the Atlantic Ocean.
