Kyoto Fusioneering (KF) recently welcomed two interns from Kyoto Fusioneering Europe (KFEU): Serena (photo left) and Lukas (photo right). Both are early-career researchers deeply involved in fusion fuel cycle systems—core technologies that enable a sustainable supply of fusion fuel.
In this Fusion Era Blog, we dive into their journey in Japan: what they learned, the challenges they faced, and how working in a global fusion environment shaped their perspectives.
Would you introduce yourself?
Serena:
My name is Serena, and I’m currently a Ph.D. student at Politecnico di Torino University in Italy. I joined KFEU in May 2025 as a research intern. My background is in Nuclear Engineering, and before starting my Ph.D. in Energetics, I worked for several years as a Safety and Environmental Coordinator in a metalworking company, handling everything from energy-consumption analysis to waste and emissions management. For my Ph.D., I focus on fusion fuel cycle systems, and I applied for this internship to connect my theoretical knowledge with hands-on experimental experience.
Lukas：
I’m a master’s student in Mechanical Engineering at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), specializing in fusion technology. I began my internship at KFEU in September 2024, working as an engineer with the fusion fuel cycle team.
What brought you to work in Japan?
Serena:
Before coming to Japan, I had been developing theoretical and numerical models of fusion fuel cycle systems in Germany. During a discussion with a KFEU team member, I found out that it might be possible to test some of my models using the experimental equipment at KF Japan. Because our work in Germany is mostly theoretical, I believed that conducting experiments would allow me to verify how well my simulations reflect real conditions—and generate data that could support both my research and the company.
After further discussion, the team arranged my visit to Japan. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to run experiments with equipment such as the Palladium Diffuser, used to separate hydrogen isotopes and impurities from exhaust gas in fusion systems.
Lukas:
While working on my master’s thesis, I wondered whether I could come to Japan to conduct experiments connected to my research on fusion engineering. I asked Christian Day, Head of KFEU and Senior Vice President of Plant Technology, and he kindly explored opportunities with the team in Japan.
I was eventually given the chance to perform experiments on pumps essential for fusion fuel cycle systems. These devices transfer gases that contain fusion fuels such as tritium and deuterium, so understanding their performance—like pumping speed or compression characteristics—is crucial. I wanted to learn how to run these experiments properly and gather data that would be meaningful for both my thesis and the company.
Could you share what you learned from working in Japan?
Lukas:
One of the biggest lessons was understanding the difference between theoretical and experimental work. At KFEU I mostly worked on theoretical studies at my computer, while in Tokyo I handled real hardware and conducted actual experiments. That shift required much more precision, safety awareness, and responsibility.
Although I was aware that the startup process requires extensive preparation, actually putting it into practice is a completely different experience. It took some patience, but then I was able to approach each step one by one.
I also learned a lot about communication. In university, I usually talk with classmates in a very informal way. Here, I needed to communicate as a professional—explaining what I plan to do, why it’s important, and outlining pros and cons when proposing ideas.
As a student, it was a new experience for me to take responsibility for my own experiments. Clear and direct communication of my thoughts and plans is particularly important. Although I am still a student, I was given a great deal of trust
Serena:
Running experiments with the Palladium Diffuser taught me a lot. I performed trial operations to see whether gases were properly separated, and this was my first time working with such equipment. It helped me connect my theoretical knowledge to real experimental behavior.
I also learned the true value of communication. Since English is not my mother tongue—neither is it for most of my Japanese colleagues—we sometimes faced challenges. But everyone tried to communicate with me, even using gestures or simple words when needed. I realized that when you genuinely want to convey a message, that intention itself becomes a powerful form of communication, even beyond language.
What has your day-to-day life in Japan been like outside of work?
Lukas:
Living in a large city like Tokyo was completely new for me—the trains, intersections, and shops are always crowded. I also noticed how strongly Japanese people follow rules and how smoothly everything is organized. Although it was initially difficult for me to get used to the differences, I gradually started to enjoy these cultural differences, and I even find myself identifying similarities with Germany these days.
Serena:
I’ve been deeply touched by the politeness and kindness of people in Japan. Thanks to that, my time here has been very smooth and enjoyable. I practice karate and had studied some Japanese culture since I was a child, so I had heard about this aspect of Japanese society—but coming here and experiencing it firsthand was very special. It’s a bit of a shame that I couldn’t visit Okinawa, where the style of karate I practice originated. But it gives me something to look forward to the next time I come back to Japan.
During your stay, you attended KF’s Annual Townhall in November. How was it for you?
Serena:
The Townhall allowed me to clearly understand what Kyoto Fusioneering has accomplished, what it is currently doing, and what direction it aims for in the future. Hearing our leaders share the company’s goals transparently was motivating—it helped me see how we all work toward the same purpose.
It also reminded me once again that Kyoto Fusioneering is actively leading the global fusion industry, which further strengthens my motivation.
Lukas:
It was impressive to see how large Kyoto Fusioneering has become despite being a six-year-old company. The Townhall was a great opportunity to meet colleagues from other divisions, including people I hadn’t worked with before. Being able to connect face-to-face made me feel more integrated into the company.
Check out our video with highlights from the KF Annual Townhall that our interns both attended
How have your experiences at KF Japan influenced your career?
Lukas:
My experience in Japan will have a big impact on my future career. I learned not only technical skills—such as how to safely run experiments with gases—but also how to work in an international environment alongside colleagues from different cultural backgrounds.
I grew in many ways: becoming more independent, managing stress better, and taking on responsibilities with greater confidence. I truly appreciate the team for trusting me.
Serena:
My internship is almost over, and I’m grateful to conclude it with such meaningful experiences. I will continue my Ph.D. studies in Italy, but I’m convinced that what I learned here—especially the modeling and experimental insights—will strongly influence my future research.
As Lukas said, working with people from diverse backgrounds has given me a more global perspective.
As both interns shared, Kyoto Fusioneering thrives in a truly global environment—because fusion is not something any single country can achieve alone. By collaborating across borders, we are pushing our R&D forward and taking meaningful steps toward realizing fusion energy together.
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