Durham University scientists have played a central role in advancing the world’s biggest fusion experiment, ITER, by completing one of the largest quality verification programmes ever carried out on superconducting materials. Their task was to develop specialised methods to test superconducting wires made from Nb₃Sn and Nb–Ti, the backbone of ITER’s magnet system. Professor Hampshire said: “The UK leads the world in the manufacture of MRI body scanners using superconducting magnets. The question is can we help lead the world with the commercialisation of Fusion Power generation using Superconducting magnets?”Their findings come as momentum in fusion accelerates worldwide. ITER aims for first plasma in 2035, while private firms such as Helion and Commonwealth Fusion Systems target earlier commercial reactors.