The Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP) is concerned with investigating the principles underlying a power plant, which – like the sun – will produce energy from the fusion of light atomic nuclei.
On 26 February 2026, the four partners signed a framework agreement providing for the construction of a demonstration stellarator called „Alpha“ in Garching. The Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP) will take the scientific lead in this project.
For more than 40 years, the H-mode has been considered the desired operating scenario for tokamak-type fusion facilities. But why it suddenly develops remains a mystery. Now, with the help of simulations, IPP physicists have found an explanation for the first time that is based solely on fundamental physical principles. The work is published in the journal Physical Review Letters.
Dr. Alexander von Müller has been leading a new junior research group at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics since 2025, focusing on the development and research of novel materials for fusion reactor walls – funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMFTR). Here he explains his research.
Since 2025, Dr. Victoria Winters has been leading a new junior research group at the University of Greifswald to investigate the plasma edge at the IPP Stellarator Wendelstein 7-X – funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMFTR). Here she explains her research.
IPP is dedicated to training outstanding young scientists, from providing practicals for undergraduates, then bachelor, master and PhD theses, to the presentation of comprehensive courses of graduate study.
