In the effort to deploy future fusion power plants and related technologies, educational and research programs for fusion enabling technologies are of high importance for pilot plants and production (energy) plants. This white paper attempts to discuss the current landscape of higher educational and research programs focused on fusion enabling technologies. The discussion is based on loose definitions of the potential largest areas of need and what is required to develop these programs from a federal/state perspective. It is noted that for educational programs to survive within the higher educational requirements, the programs will have to be intrinsically combined with funded research activities.

This white paper is specifically focused on education and training programs for associates, bachelors, masters, and PhDs in fusion enabling technologies. Historically there has been a disconnect between the plasma physics and fusion energy communities; thus future conversations around research and educational programs must balance the needs of both the historical plasma physics and fusion engineering communities from a place of casting a wider net. It is noted that plasma physics was addressed by other white papers at the Workforce Accelerator for Fusion Energy Development Conference held in Hampton, Virginia, USA, on 29–30 May, 2024.

The challenges include (a) developing new or continued fusion enabling technology programs that will require funding over a long period of time and continuous support and patience for impact, (b) finding local faculty who are tied into fusion enabling technologies or can be recruited into them, and (c) generating interest into new institutions and communities. The primary issue is that educational and research program in fusion enabling technologies are limited in terms of the different technologies supported, as a limited number of universities and colleges exist.

The overall recommendation is that if we are going to deploy more than one or more fusion pilot plants and commercial fusion power/production plants, we will need to initialize new programs and continue and expand existing programs. This will require the engagement of local faculty and staff from fusion community members (federal, national laboratories, universities, and companies), finding seed and long-term funding (research and educational), and inclusion in national activities.