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CMU represents PH in ASEAN Fusion School in Thailand

Five undergraduate BS Physics students and one faculty member from Central Mindanao University (CMU) represented the Philippines at the 10th ASEAN School on Plasma and Nuclear Fusion. The event, held at the Rajamangala Institute of Technology Suvarnabhumi, Phranakhon Si Ayutthaya, Thailand, runs from January 13 to 17, 2025.

This year’s ASEAN School Fusion aims to provide participants with a thorough understanding of plasma and fusion science and technology, as well as current developments in the field, through lectures delivered by experts with extensive knowledge and experience. The program also seeks to initiate research interests and collaborations in plasma and nuclear fusion among ASEAN countries and beyond, while promoting a strong scientific network among academics and researchers in the region.

Sponsored by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the leading global authority on nuclear technology,  the activity focuses on cutting-edge advancements in nuclear facilities in Thailand, Japan, China, Korea, Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. Participants include students, faculty, and researchers from India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines.

CMU’s delegation includes Dr. Michelle Marie S. Villamayor, whose research focus is on Plasma Science, and her thesis students: Angela Ortizano, Sophia Nicole Reyes, Ellen Rose Sanchez, Monica Sandra Pelegrino, and Shane Bañados. They are participating as seminar-workshop attendees, engaging in hands-on experiments, including work on the Thailand Tokamak I (TTI), the only Tokamak facility in the ASEAN. The local expenses for the CMU team in Thailand are covered by the organizing committee, hosted jointly by the Thailand Institute of Nuclear Technology.

CMU President Dr. Rolito G. Eballe has expressed support for the university to host the next ASEAN School Fusion in the Philippines, which is tentatively scheduled next year in January. Preparations and formal discussions about the hosting will involve coordination with the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI).

CMU’s participation aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). By engaging in international collaboration and advancing knowledge in plasma and nuclear fusion technology, CMU contributes to the global pursuit of clean energy solutions and scientific innovation.This participation underscores CMU’s commitment to advancing physics and nuclear technology education and fostering regional collaboration in scientific innovation. (Iyren Neri with information from Dr. Michelle Marie S. Villamayor, faculty, CAS)

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