IFE-SURE Undergraduates Connect In Nation’s Capitol
The Inertial Fusion Energy Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (IFE-SURE) is a new Department of Energy (DOE)-funded workforce development initiative launched by the IFE Science and Technology Accelerated Research (IFE-STAR) program. This summer marked the program’s inaugural year, with 46 undergraduate students engaged in hands-on research experiences across 11 universities, national laboratories, and private-sector organizations.
Designed to attract and develop the next generation of scientists and engineers in inertial fusion energy, the IFE-SURE program provides students with research opportunities to contribute to the scientific and engineering challenges of fusion energy. By immersing participants in real-world challenges, the program aims to inspire and prepare them for careers in fusion energy and related fields while addressing the critical need for a skilled and diverse workforce in the energy sector.
The program brings together public and private institutions and national labs to advance IFE science and accelerate the development of energy technologies. By working across different sectors, IFE-STAR fosters mentorship, collaboration, and innovation—all of which benefit students participating in IFE-SURE.
A National Effort to Build the Talent Pipeline
Undergraduates interested in IFE-SURE are selected through a national application process that connects students with host sites aligned with their interests. Applicants are able to review detailed information about participating institutions before choosing their preferred locations, which include LLE, Ergodic, SLAC, Texas A&M University, the University of California, San Diego, the University Nebraska–Lincoln, Focused Energy, Leonardo Electronics, Brigham Young University, Colorado State University, and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Each organization then selects students from the applicant pool to join their research teams.
As the US strengthens its energy security, the demand for a well-trained workforce has never been stronger. IFE-SURE addresses this urgent need by providing students with hands-on exposure to fusion science and engineering in practice. Whether working on diagnostics, simulations, target design, or experimental systems, students contribute meaningfully to active research efforts while gaining technical skills, mentorship, and exposure to career pathways within fusion energy and related fields.
