Yiran Mao (FZJ)
Yiran Mao is a researcher at Forschungszentrum Jülich, Institute of Fusion Energy and Nuclear Waste Management (IFN-1) and works on cutting-edge issues in the field of energy and materials research. After completing his studies in engineering and natural sciences—which steered him toward fusion materials and plasma-facing components early on—he specialized in advanced tungsten materials, manufacturing technologies, and component development for fusion reactors throughout his scientific career. Positions at renowned universities and international collaborations shaped his interdisciplinary approach and laid the foundation for his current research.
At Forschungszentrum Jülich, Yiran Mao has already achieved remarkable success: His work contributes to the development of new solutions for robust plasma-facing components and efficient heat management in future fusion power plants. Through publications in scientific journals and participation in international projects, he has made a name for himself in his field. In the following interview on the Helmholtz Energy website, he provides insights into his scientific career, his motivation, and the challenges of tomorrow’s energy research.
Interview:
What are you currently working on?
Yiran Mao: My research focuses on advanced plasma-facing materials and components for future fusion reactors. A major part of this work is the development of high-temperature heat-pipe-based components. At the same time, I also work on the development of advanced tungsten based materials and composites, manufacturing and joining technologies, and the characterization of materials and components under fusion-relevant conditions. The overall goal is to make plasma-facing components more robust, efficient, and reliable under extreme heat loads and future reactor conditions.
What is your personal motivation?
Yiran Mao: My personal motivation is to contribute to the development of fusion energy as a long-term, clean, and reliable energy option by advancing materials and components for future reactors.
What kind of challenges are you facing in the near future?
Yiran Mao: One major challenge is to continuously adapt our engineering designs and material concepts to the evolving context of fusion research. Fusion power plants have not yet been realized, and many of their specific requirements are still under development. This is especially true when considering optimized future versions of different fusion concepts. Therefore, plasma-facing components cannot be designed as fixed solutions; they need to evolve together with the changing requirements of future reactors.
At the same time, building a young research group is itself an important challenge. This includes attracting talented people, setting clear scientific and technical priorities, and creating a productive and open research culture in which new ideas can be developed and tested effectively.
If you could make a wish for something for your research, what would you wish for?
Yiran Mao: My wish is that fusion research remains an open and collaborative international effort. Fusion energy is still a goal for the future, and I see it as a shared dream of humankind. To move faster, we need to bring together the most advanced ideas, facilities, and expertise worldwide. For my own group, I would wish for the freedom to test bold ideas, learn quickly from early prototypes, and gradually develop scalable and robust components that can make a real contribution to future fusion reactors.
Where do you see your discipline in 5-10 years?
Yiran Mao: In the next five to ten years, I think the field of plasma-facing components will increasingly move from material development alone toward integrated component solutions that can be tested, qualified, and eventually used in reactor-relevant environments. I expect alternative heat-management concepts, including heat-pipe-based components, to become more important. They may firstly appear as advanced prototypes and test objects, and later possibly as building blocks for alternative heat-management solutions for fusion power plants. As fusion research advances, new technical challenges will inevitably emerge, and I hope to contribute meaningfully to addressing them.