Reply To: Some about a fusion dispute in Sweden.

[Rezwan]

Rezwan wrote: So the first project of FFS is to figure out ways to ensure that the LPP experiment takes place and is conducted with rigorous care and produces results that are peer reviewed.

This, by the way, is where the reframing from results to responsibility takes place. Our job is to make sure the research happens. “Success” in that sense means getting the machine to go through the paces, doing all the tests correctly and collecting the data, double checking that data, and making sure whatever answer is obtained is accurate.

The answer obtained – that’s what most people think about when they think about results. Is the answer “yea, there is feasibility” or is the answer “nay – try again some other way?”

If you’re focused on the second part – the outccome, that’s results orientation. We’d love positive results, but we are committed to doing the hard work. We are approaching fusion responsibly, and not wishfully.

It’s about making sure the work is done, that there are adequate resources for our people to get that work done, that they won’t be crucified if they don’t get the results we all hope for, that they and other fusion scientists can keep on working toward feasibility.

I think the best attitude is that responsibility will lead to results, hopefully really quickly, but if not now, then eventually. But certainly not if it continues to be under-resourced. That’s not “investor seeking” but just a general wake up call.

We have a responsibility to model good fusion-seeking behavior.