​On  November 18th, Slovenian Secretary of State Dr. Jure Gasparic visited:

• The international ITER project, based in the immediate vicinity of the CEA/Cadarache site, which brings together scientists from 33 countries with the aim of demonstrating the feasibility of a magnetic confinement nuclear fusion reactor, producing 500 MW of energy by 2050 (with only 50 MW injected)

• The CEA's “WEST” nuclear fusion research reactor, which holds the world record for the duration of plasma in a tokamak (more than 22 minutes in February 2025). The experiments conducted in the WEST reactor also contribute to the development of the ITER project, for instance, for testing materials, superconducting magnet configurations, etc.
• The Jules Horowitz research reactor (RJH) project, hosted at the CEA/Cadarache site, which will enable in-depth study of matter and produce radioisotopes for European medicine

The visit by Secretary of State Dr. Jure Gasparic was also an opportunity to reaffirm the strong, close, and historic ties that bind France and the CEA to Slovenia and its research institutes, as exemplified by the existing collaboration agreement between the CEA and the Slovenian Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation since 2006 (20-year next week!). 

This collaboration agreement awards, every year, 5 bilateral R&D projects for a duration of 2 years, on topics as nuclear energy, new technologies for energy, basic research, adaptation to climate change, life sciences or seismic safety. If you want to apply, the next call for proposal will be launched in the first semester of 2026! In total, within 20 years, more than 100 R&D excellent projects were supported in the frame of this cooperation agreement. 
 
This visit was also an opportunity to highlight the importance of developing complementary research infrastructures in Europe in order to increase current and future collaboration and contribute to the scientific sovereignty and independence of Europe and its Member States in all strategic sectors.