From plasma-facing components to blanket and heat exchange systems, UW scientists are designing new materials to resist radiation damage, endure intense heat, and maintain structural integrity over decades of operation.

Our researchers use experimental facilities to simulate these extreme environments, while computational teams use physics- and data-driven models to predict material behavior and guide the development of next-generation materials.

UW is accelerating innovations in alloy design and additive manufacturing, key ares for tackling energy extraction challenges and developing efficient heat transfer systems, tritium breeding technologies, and fuel recycling solutions for fusion pilot plants.

Across Nuclear Engineering & Engineering Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science & Engineering, and Physics, UW researchers are bridging the materials gap for fusion energy through interdisciplinary research and innovation in materials science, engineering, and manufacturing, as well as advancing our understanding of plasma-material interactions and developing the advanced materials needed to withstand the extreme conditions inside fusion reactors.