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A Journey Beyond Research: My Experience at ASIPP Through the TRUST Project

I am Letizia, a PhD student at the University of Tuscia working in the field of nuclear fusion. In May last year, I had the opportunity to visit the Institute of Plasma Physics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (ASIPP) in Hefei, China.

This experience was made possible through the TRUST Project, which brought our research group to ASIPP to explore ongoing activities, strengthen collaboration with Chinese colleagues, and exchange knowledge in the field of nuclear fusion research.

Visiting Major Fusion Research Facilities

During the visit, we had the chance to see some of ASIPP’s major facilities, including CRAFT, the future site of BEST, and the operating EAST tokamak.

Beyond the technical visits, we shared our own work and discussed common challenges, opportunities, and future perspectives. Experiences like this clearly demonstrate how scientific progress depends on international collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the ability to build connections across different countries and research environments.

Preparing for the Journey

What I felt most strongly was curiosity. The idea of experiencing a culture so different from my own was both fascinating and challenging.

Everything—from daily life to communication—would be new, and the language barrier seemed like the biggest obstacle. Yet, that was also what made the experience so meaningful.

Research Exchange and New Perspectives

Meeting PhD students and researchers working on topics closely related to my own research was one of the most valuable aspects of the experience.

We exchanged ideas, discussed different approaches, shared doubts, and offered suggestions. It was a powerful reminder that, even when we come from different parts of the world, we are often asking the same scientific questions and working towards the same goals.

At the same time, being immersed in such an advanced research environment was incredibly stimulating. It encouraged me to look at my work from new perspectives and provided fresh motivation for my future research activities.

Discovering a New Culture

Outside the research setting, there was also the rewarding experience of discovering a new culture.

Observing everyday habits, traditions, and ways of interacting made me realize how much there is to learn beyond the academic environment. Sharing these moments with colleagues and new friends made the experience even more vivid and memorable.

A Personal and Professional Growth Experience

Looking back, this journey was not only a scientific visit but also a personal challenge and an important opportunity for professional growth.

It pushed me beyond my comfort zone, allowed me to connect with people and ideas that once felt distant, and reinforced the value of international collaboration in advancing nuclear fusion research.