10 Apr Fraunhofer ILT brings fusion energy into the classroom
Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology ILT has partnered with educational provider Tinkerbrain to develop a web-based learning platform focused on fusion energy. The platform, FusionsLab.de, is designed for students from grade 8 onwards and aims to provide an understanding of the scientific and technological foundations of fusion while highlighting its potential contribution to a climate-neutral energy supply.
Building fundamental energy knowledge
According to the project partners, the modular platform combines interactive learning formats, experiments, videos and technical content. It guides students step by step from the relationships between energy supply, economic development and climate change to the physical principles underlying modern energy systems. The programme begins by explaining the role of fusion in the Sun as the driving force behind nearly all forms of energy available on Earth.
Building on this foundation, the learning materials explore energy use across different technologies, ranging from fossil fuels and renewable energy sources to the direct and indirect utilisation of solar energy. The objective is to provide a fundamental understanding of energy systems, their physical characteristics and their economic and societal relevance.
Working in different teams, the students tackled energy-related challenges during the pilot week. Image: Fraunhofer ILT
From fusion physics to power plants
A key focus of the platform is nuclear fusion as a potential future energy technology. According to the partners, the curriculum covers the physical principles behind the fusion of hydrogen isotopes such as deuterium and tritium, as well as technical approaches to energy generation, including laser-based inertial fusion and magnetic confinement fusion. Current research activities and the challenges involved in developing commercial fusion power plants are also addressed.
In addition to scientific and technical topics, the learning platform incorporates economic, societal and geopolitical perspectives, including issues such as global energy and climate justice and the role of emerging technologies in future energy systems. Project-based learning formats and collaborative assignments are intended to encourage students to explore, develop and present content independently.
A concluding simulation exercise introduces participants to different perspectives on fusion technology, including those of researchers, industry representatives and societal stakeholders, while fostering discussion of both the opportunities and risks associated with fusion energy.
A project for the future
The programme conveys fundamental concepts through experiments, presentations, videos and interactive learning formats. Image: Tinkerbrain
With FusionsLab, the project partners aim not only to convey knowledge but also to strengthen STEM competencies and engage young people with technology-driven future topics at an early stage. In the long term, the platform is intended to be deployed nationwide and further expanded.
The project, which received €100,000 in funding from the German Federal Ministry for Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), was initially piloted through project weeks and classroom programmes at several schools in Aachen, including Gesamtschule Aachen-Brand and two secondary schools. Based on this pilot phase, the learning materials have been further developed and refined in close cooperation with teachers and STEM coordinators.
According to the project partners, the platform is available free of charge to schools and extracurricular learning centres.
💡Fraunhofer ILT is also involved in several research projects aimed at developing fusion technologies suitable for commercial power generation. In the cover interview of LP.PRO 01/2026, Dr Sarah Klein and Dr Martin Adams of Fraunhofer ILT discuss the potential, technological approaches and spillover effects of fusion research. The interview is available in German language in the digital edition of LP.PRO.💡
Image caption: Pilot project week at Städtische Gesamtschule Aachen-Brand: From 1 to 3 July 2025, students explored fusion as a future energy source. Image: Fraunhofer ILT
Source and image: www.ilt.fraunhofer.de