{"id":3648,"date":"2025-12-22T11:30:59","date_gmt":"2025-12-22T02:30:59","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kyotofusioneering.com\/kfwp\/?post_type=news&p=3648"},"modified":"2026-04-13T23:03:07","modified_gmt":"2026-04-13T14:03:07","slug":"the-fusion-era-intern-voices-growing-through-global-collaboration-at-kf","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/kyotofusioneering.com\/en\/news\/2025\/12\/22\/3648","title":{"rendered":"THE FUSION ERA \u2013 Intern Voices: Growing Through Global Collaboration at KF"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2014core technologies that enable a sustainable supply of fusion fuel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Would you introduce yourself?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Serena:<\/strong>
My name is Serena, and I\u2019m 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.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lukas\uff1a<\/strong>
I\u2019m a master\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What brought you to work in Japan?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Serena:
<\/strong>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\u2014and generate data that could support both my research and the company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lukas:
<\/strong>While working on my master\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2014like pumping speed or compression characteristics\u2014is 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Could you share what you learned from working in Japan?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lukas:
<\/strong>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2014explaining what I plan to do, why it\u2019s important, and outlining pros and cons when proposing ideas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Lukas conducting experiments using KF\u2019s Turbomolecular Pump<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Serena:<\/strong>
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I also learned the true value of communication. Since English is not my mother tongue\u2014neither is it for most of my Japanese colleagues\u2014we 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.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"
Serena operating experiments with the Palladium Diffuser<\/strong><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What has your day-to-day life in Japan been like outside of work?<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Lukas:<\/strong>
Living in a large city like Tokyo was completely new for me\u2014the 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Serena:<\/strong>
I\u2019ve 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\u2014but coming here and experiencing it firsthand was very special. It\u2019s a bit of a shame that I couldn\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During your stay, you attended KF\u2019s Annual Townhall in November. How was it for you?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Serena:<\/strong>
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\u2019s goals transparently was motivating\u2014it helped me see how we all work toward the same purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It also reminded me once again that Kyoto Fusioneering is actively leading the global fusion industry, which further strengthens my motivation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lukas:<\/strong>
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\u2019t worked with before. Being able to connect face-to-face made me feel more integrated into the company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n