The DONES Xcitech School, a collaborative effort between the University of Granada (Spain) and the IFMIF-DONES España consortium, is a premier science and technology education platform. Focused on Big Science technologies, the school aims to create a new generation of highly skilled professionals. It serves as a crucial bridge connecting academic research with the demands of the expanding Big Science industry, and in particular of fusion energy.

The third edition of the school will take place from April 6 th to 11 th , 2025, in the captivating city of Dubrovnik, Croatia. This year's program will delve deeper into the fascinating world of fusion science and technology. Two specialized courses have been designed to explore the science and applications of advanced fusion technologies:

1. Radiation Effects on Fusion Structural Materials

• This course focuses on the structural materials that will form the nuclear components—in-vessel components—of next-generation fusion facilities, such as DEMO and beyond. Participants will gain insights into:
  • Material Selection: The meticulous process of selecting materials for fusion reactors, considering factors such as economic viability, environmental impact, and structural integrity.
  • The Impact of Irradiation: How irradiation affects the properties of materials, exploring its influence varying time and spatial scales.

Advanced Topics:

• State-of-the-Art Modeling: Exploring cutting-edge modeling techniques to analyze the effects of neutron irradiation, from the atomic level to engineering scales.
• Material Degradation: Understanding how neutron irradiation degrades mechanical and physical properties, and the crucial implications for fusion reactor design and operation.
• The Role of Small-Scale Test Technologies (SSTT): Examining the essential role of SSTT in qualifying materials for fusion applications.

This course provides a solid foundation for understanding the critical behavior of materials under extreme conditions, a critical factor for future fusion reactors.

2. IFMIF-DONES in Depth

This course offers an in-depth exploration of the International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility-DEMO Oriented Neutron Source (IFMIF-DONES), a groundbreaking project that aims to test and qualify materials for fusion reactors. Participants will gain valuable insights into:

• Fundamental Technologies: Understanding the basic technologies and systems of IFMIF-DONES, including the high-current linear accelerator, the innovative liquid lithium target, and the critical neutron irradiation zone.
• Facility Design: Exploring key aspects of IFMIF-DONES´s design, such as beam dynamics, diagnostics, radiofrequency systems, cryogenics, vacuum systems, remote handling, and superconducting cavities.

Beyond IFMIF-DONES:

• Big Science Perspectives: The course will extend beyond IFMIF-DONES, featuring talks on the functionality of major scientific facilities like CERN, ESS, and PPPL, emphasizing the broader role of particle accelerators in materials science.
• Fusion Materials Qualification: Examining the fusion materials qualification program and valuable lessons learned from the LIPAc prototype, the precursor to IFMIF-DONES, developed in Japan.
• Applications Beyond Fusion: Exploring the versatility of neutron sources beyond fusion energy, showcasing their significance in advancing other scientific fields.
• Industry Collaboration: Gaining insights into the crucial role of industry in the IFMIF-DONES project, including successful collaborations and the evolution of this international effort.

Join Us in Dubrovnik

The DONES Xcitech School 2025 presents a unique opportunity to engage with leading experts in fusion science, explore groundbreaking technologies, and build valuable connections with researchers, industry leaders, and fellow participants. Set in the beautiful and historic city of Dubrovnik, this edition promises not only academic enrichment but also an unforgettable experience in one of the world’s most iconic locations.

Be a part of the future of fusion science and technology – join us at the DONES Xcitech School 2025!