Rudolf Neu

Rudolf Neu serves as Professor at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) within the School of Engineering and Design, holding a dual appointment as head of an independent research group at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics (IPP) since 2014. His expertise centers on plasma-material interactions critical for fusion energy development.

His academic foundation includes:

• Physics studies at University of Tübingen
• Doctorate in Nuclear Physics (1992)
• Habilitation in Experimental Physics at University of Tübingen (2004)

Professor Neu's research pioneers tungsten-based materials for fusion reactor first walls, addressing extreme thermal and plasma conditions in devices like ASDEX Upgrade and ITER. His work bridges materials science and plasma physics to solve erosion, impurity control, and component longevity challenges essential for viable fusion power.

Publication trends reveal progressive refinement from experimental ASDEX Upgrade studies (2009-2013) toward advanced tungsten solutions for DEMO reactors (2016), consistently targeting plasma-facing component durability. This trajectory demonstrates strategic alignment with international fusion roadmap milestones.

Key recognition includes:

• Highly Cited Researchers designation (ISI Engineering category, 2014)

His leadership spans critical fusion initiatives including JET task force coordination (2011-2012) and EFDA's ITER Physics Department direction (2012-2013), establishing him as a central figure in Europe's fusion research infrastructure.