San Diego Fusion Data Science and Digital Engineering Center
Pioneering collaboration between educational institutions, industry and national laboratories.
Imagery courtesy of DIII-D National Fusion Facility
ABOUT
The Fusion Data Science and Digital Engineering Center is a pioneering collaborative hub connecting academia, industry, and national laboratories. Led by UC San Diego and General Atomics, the Center accelerates fusion energy development by leveraging modern computational tools such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, high-performance computing, and digital engineering. These advanced methods enable precise simulation, rapid design iteration, real-time optimization of fusion reactor systems, streamlining fusion technology development and significantly reducing timelines toward commercial viability.
Vision
A world powered by clean, virtually limitless energy — driving sustainable progress, economic prosperity, and energy security for generations to come.
Capabilities
The San Diego Fusion Data and Engineering Center utilizes the Fusion Data Platform (FDP), which enables researchers to work with fusion experimental and simulation data. FDP welcomes participation from researchers, engineers, and AI/ML specialists throughout the fusion community.
Advanced Research & Innovation
Leveraging digital twin technology, AI-driven modeling, and GPU-accelerated computing to enhance predictive simulations and optimize fusion system performance.
Interdisciplinary Expertise
Bringing together top researchers from UC San Diego’s Jacobs School of Engineering, Materials Science Institute, and School of Computing, Information and Data Sciences to tackle fusion’s most pressing challenges.
Workforce Development
Providing hands-on education and training opportunities for students across public and private higher education nationwide, with special focus on California, including University of California, California State Universities, community colleges, to build a highly skilled fusion energy workforce.
Public-Private Synergy
Partnering with national laboratories, government agencies, and private-sector leaders to drive fusion research and secure investment in clean energy innovation.
Collaborations
The center thrives on partnerships with world-class organizations, combining expertise in fusion research, high-performance computing, and engineering:
UC San Diego
A hub for cutting-edge research in data science, materials science, and engineering, playing a key role in the center’s interdisciplinary approach.
General Atomics (GA)
Decades of leadership in fusion research, including operating the Department of Energy’s DIII-D National Fusion Facility, the largest tokamak in the U.S.
San Diego Supercomputer Center (SDSC)
Providing high-performance computing (HPC) and cyberinfrastructure to support large-scale fusion simulations and data analysis.
National Laboratories & Industry Partners
Collaborating with leading research institutions, government agencies, and private industry to fast-track fusion energy development.
Interested in working with us?
The Team
Co-Directors
Prof. Frank Wuerthwein
UC San Diego
Dr. Raffi Nazikian
General Atomics
Deputy Directors
Dr. Amit Majumdar
UC San Diego
David Schissel
General Atomics
Business Development
Ashley Atkins
UC San Diego
Dr. Amani Zalzali
General Atomics
Data Platforms, AI/ML
Prof. Ilkay Altıntaş
UC San Diego
Brian Sammuli
General Atomics
Communications
Cynthia Dillon
UC San Diego
Natalie Witt
General Atomics
What is Fusion?
Fusion energy—the same process that powers the sun and our stars—has the potential to provide virtually limitless, clean, and safe power for the world. By uniting academic excellence, industry expertise, and next-generation technology, the Fusion Data Science and Digital Engineering Center is leading the way toward a sustainable energy future.
Intelligent Digital Twins for Fusion
Imagery courtesy of DIII-D National Fusion Facility
News
Scientists and engineers at General Atomics (GA) and the University of California San Diego (UC San Diego) have announced a groundbreaking collaboration to establish a Fusion Data Science and Digital Engineering Center in San Diego.
Collaborate With Us
Join us in accelerating the development of fusion energy! The Fusion Data Science and Digital Engineering Center is at the forefront of fusion energy innovation, bringing together world-class researchers, industry leaders, and technology pioneers. Whether you’re an academic institution, industry partner, government agency, or passionate individual, we welcome collaboration in advancing fusion research, digital engineering, and workforce development.
By working together, we can accelerate breakthroughs in AI-driven fusion modeling, high-performance computing, and next-generation reactor design—paving the way for a sustainable energy future. Let’s push the boundaries of what’s possible.
Note: You must become a User of the DIII-D National Fusion Facility to be a Collaborator. Learn more about becoming a User here.