C1: July 20-24
C2: July 27-31
9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EDT
Galbraith Building
Room 303, 35 St George St., Toronto, ON M5S 1A4
Tuition
$700/wk – Domestic
$1100/wk – International
Highschool Students
Fusion is multidisciplinary
Fusion energy is underpinned by nearly every branch of physics.
ENGINEERING CHALLENGES
How do you confine a plasma at 150 million °C without allowing it to touch the walls of its container? How do you develop materials capable of withstanding years of bombardment by high-energy neutrons? How do you design a power plant that reliably produces more energy than it consumes on a commercial scale?
These are among the grand engineering challenges of fusion energy—the effort to harness the same process that powers the Sun and stars to provide abundant, clean energy on Earth.
Fusion is one of the most ambitious technological endeavors of our time. Solving its challenges requires innovations across a wide range of disciplines, from advanced materials and superconducting magnets to high-performance computing, precision manufacturing, and intelligent control systems.
Fusion brings together expertise from many fields, including:
- – Electrical Engineering
- – Materials Engineering
- – Mechanical Engineering
- – Software Engineering
- – Computer Engineering
- – Physics and Applied Mathematics
- – Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering
- – Chemical and Nuclear Engineering
- – Controls, Instrumentation, and Robotics
Together, these disciplines are working to transform fusion from a scientific achievement into a practical source of clean, reliable, and sustainable energy for the world.
ABOUT THE COURSE
Fusion Energy: Taming a Star is an immersive one-week summer program designed for motivated high school students who are curious about physics, engineering, and the future of clean energy. Over five engaging days, students explore the science behind nuclear fusion—the process that powers the stars—and discover how scientists and engineers are working to recreate it safely here on Earth.
Through interactive lessons, hands-on experiments, and team-based design, participants build a strong foundation in atomic and nuclear physics, learning how energy is released from the nucleus and how fusion differs from fission. Students investigate plasma—the fourth state of matter—experiment with magnetic fields, visualize particle tracks in a cloud chamber, and explore how radiation is detected and used safely in non-energy applications.
The course will serve to introduce students to career pathways in physics, engineering, energy and non-energy applications of nuclear science, and promote discussion about the global energy challenge and the role fusion could play in a sustainable future.
ABOUT THE AEMS ACADEMY
The AEMS Academy, established through the Atomic Energy Materials & Systems (AEMS) nuclear research cluster at the University of Toronto, offers educational programs designed to inspire and prepare the next generation of engineers, scientists, and leaders in the highly multidisciplinary field of nuclear science and engineering.
In its inaugural year, the AEMS Academy is pleased to offer intensive one-week courses for highly motivated senior high school students (Grades 11 and 12) who demonstrate a strong interest and aptitude in science, mathematics, and technology. Through hands-on learning, exposure to cutting-edge research, and engagement with leading experts, students will gain insight into the scientific and engineering challenges shaping the future of energy, technology, and society.
The AEMS Academy courses are offered in association with the Department of Materials Science & Engineering, the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering, and the University of Toronto Nuclear Energy Association.
Mentorship Opportunities
Learn about fusion energy from expert faculty, graduate researchers, and senior undergraduate students at the forefront of science and engineering.
Multidisciplinary STEM Education
Fusion brings together engineering, physics, computing, materials science, and more. By exploring fusion, you’ll develop knowledge and problem-solving skills that are valuable in virtually any STEM career.
Emphasis on Hands-On Learning
This course combines rigorous STEM education with exciting demonstrations, hands-on experiments, and interactive activities, giving you the opportunity to learn by doing and experience science and engineering in action.
Meet Like-Minded and Driven Individuals
Students will have the opportunity to connect with other curious and motivated peers who share their passion for science and technology. Together, you will explore exciting topics in physics and engineering.
NOTE: The AEMS Academy program, which falls under the university-wide AEMS toronto Nuclear Cluster, operates independent of the DEEP and CREATE outreach programs.
Eligibility
Any Ontario High school students in Grades 11 or 12 are eligible to apply. Ambitious students in grade 10 can apply but must answer additional questions. There is no minimum grade requirement, and no mandatory prerequisites, however, having a strong background and interest in physics, chemistry, and mathematics is highly relevant.
Applying
There is no fee to apply to the program. As part of the application process, applicants will be asked to complete a short application form that includes several brief questions about their interest in the program and why they would be a strong participant. Applicants will also be asked to provide information such as their age, educational background, dietary restrictions or allergies, and any accessibility requirements. While students are required to bring their own lunch and refreshments, water and healthy snacks will be available.
All applicants are required to sign a participation waiver.
Applications submitted after the deadline will still be considered, subject to space availability, but will not receive priority during the selection process.
We intend to notify all applicants of their application status no later than one week after the application deadline.
APPLY HERE
Cancellation and Refunds
No refunds for cancellations.
In the unlikely event the program does not run, all participants will receive a full refund.
Questions, Comments, or Concerns?
Contact us!
nazir.kherani@utoronto.ca
