Aims and scope

Journal of Fusion Energy is a single-blind peer-reviewed journal that provides a discussion forum for all aspects pertaining to the design, construction and operation of both public and private thermonuclear fusion sources - ranging from major power plants to fusion-based sources for industrial applications. The science and technology that directly support these applications remain an important component of JoFE’s scope. In anticipation of advances towards commercial fusion energy in the foreseeable future, the journal’s scope has been expanded to encompass the development of business-driven applications for novel technologies. This involves broader commercialisation issues, including but not limited to policy and planning, systems engineering, and industrial safety and regulation, as well as aspects related to supply chains and fusion energy in the context of sustainable development goals.

The journal publishes research papers, technical reports and review articles. Manuscripts addressing economic, societal, environmental or policy issues must demonstrate a connection to the current or foreseeable state-of-the-art in fusion science and technology through an appropriate bibliography. The editorial board may solicit both short editorials and more extensive perspective papers, aiming to provide a platform for suitable contributions on potential future developments or debated open issues. Such papers are subject to internal review, solely with regard to the quality and relevance of their arguments. JoFE does not accept papers that are explicitly related to military applications of fusion energy sources. However, papers on the subjects of non-proliferation, safety and security are within its scope.
The journal specifically seeks contributions addressing
- Technical analysis of long-term policy and planning issues (also including e.g. supply chains, maintenance)
- Conceptual/technical design reports on pilot plants and prototypes
- Systems and control engineering applied to the operation of fusion-energy facilities and infrastructures
- Computing and software developments regarding fusion-based sources, facilities and infrastructures (also including e.g. digital twins)
- Sustainable development goals: waste management, socio-economic impact studies
- Applications and commercialisation of fusion energy: fusion electricity, fusion engines
- Hybrid energy systems involving fusion-based sources

Within the traditional fields of fusion science and technology, the journal welcomes all contributions. Examples of recent frontier topics include artificial intelligence applications to diagnostics, advanced/aneutronic blankets, and liquid metal plasma-facing components.