In between lavender field and fusion reactor

It is a great honour to be part of this project that is at the edge of technological capabilities of humankind. I am pleased to be one of few intern students selected from all member countries accounting EU, USA, China, India, Japan and many more.

My placement took part in Diagnostics (ITER Organization, Tokamak Engineering Department, Port Plugs & Diagnostics Integration Division, In-Vessel Diagnostics Section). I have been responsible for modelling of radiation impact on one particular new design of magnetic sensors. The accuracy of these sensors is important for controlling the reactor. During conducting the research work I fully utilized my physics skills gained in my studies. In addition, I had to also cooperate with colleagues and experts in the various fields, especially radiation. Such intensive collaboration is very common at this fusion experiment, since the conditions and phenomena being studies were not technologically reachable by humankind just until now.

Apart from being a student, there is another characteristic that distinguishes me to most of researchers and engineers working at the project. I am one of several employees out of 2000 who uses bicycle for commuting to work. This is very unusual in Provence, considering how hilly the countryside is there. Also, due to well-developed infrastructure every place can be reached easily with car. Instead, I chose and planned my stay so that I use bicycle only. I chose an accommodation at the closest available location to ITER, in a village still nearly 10 km away. Consequently, I have been starting my every day in Provence by a long uphill cycle from the valley of my village to ITER site. Meanwhile all my colleagues take me over driving comfortably their cars. However, the beautiful views and the unique landscape is worth the pain to cycle daily. I haven’t regretted a single day choosing this alternative, not even during rare rainy days there.

The location of my accommodation had a very strategic location. In another 10km the famous lavender fields are located. Thus, I have been basically staying in between the lavender and the fusion reactor. These fields and other beautiful locations in the area were easily reachable on cycling trips. Weekend cycling trips gave me opportunities to explore the area more. Long summer daytime gave me enough time to explore rather closer locations during evening trips after work. The typical sunny hot weather of Provence was very pleasant on these trips as well as when commuting to work.