Education and Outreach Activities at Consorzio RFX, Padova

Consorzio RFX performs education and public information (PI) activities along two main lines: education at the PhD level and the Fusion Expo. In Europe there is a strong need for attracting and educating young researchers in fusion science and engineering in order to create scientific and engineering staff for the Fusion Programme. This has led to set up the first European Joint Research Doctorate and Network in Fusion Science and Engineering, in collaboration between European fusion Associates and Universities, which is an example of integration between physics and engineering teaching. In addition to this, Fusion Expo is a powerful PI tool to present fusion to the large public, realized by the European Commission, who has entrusted EFDA and Consorzio RFX in Padova with the improvement and update of the exhibition. The expo is itinerant, modular, based on a gradually improving content insight developing from key messages and large eye-catching images (to attract and motivate curiosity), up to in-depth presentations, designed to satisfy a more daring question approach. All of these activities have succeeded because they act together in creating the necessary positive attitude towards fusion research.