The AFEI aims to foster collaboration among Arab institutions engaged in the fields of plasma physics and fusion energy research. This program is only starting and therefore has limited resources, which necessitates the emphasis on the complementarity of the research done in the various institutions across the Arab world. This coordination among the different institutions should shape the overall fusion program in the Arab world allowing the best possible usage of the resources already available.
Currently, Arab governments and the private sector compete with one another, and there are few pan-Arab scientific collaboration teams or projects. To address this issue, several future actions are proposed. Firstly, it is essential to promote the importance of collaboration and leverage the expertise of successful international programs, such as Euratom. By using such programs as examples, the Arab world can build a more unified approach to fusion energy research.
Building bridges among different Arab countries is also crucial, as fusion energy research and production cannot be accomplished by a single nation. Organizing conferences and events dedicated to enhancing pan-Arab collaboration is another key strategy. ​
Yearly Conference
A key component of this initiative involves identifying and expanding the network of associated institutions. This will involve organizing an annual conference where different research groups can present their scientific work and share the progress they are making. The format of this meeting includes presentations and posters by students and professors, roundtable discussions on ongoing and future programs, and a strong emphasis on complementarity across institutions. Additionally, financial and manpower needs will be addressed during these meetings, to secure support from the AFEI.
​Yearly Coordination Meeting
Each institution will be represented by one person at these coordination meetings, with an estimated cost of $2,000 per person. This translates to a total annual expenditure of up to $20,000 for these meetings, which are seen as a crucial step towards enhancing collaborative efforts in fusion energy research. The overall yield of this meeting will be a report issued by the AFEI and sent to the Support Group to highlight the main advancements and status of the different research fields and collaborations involved.
Mobility Program
In addition to the coordination meeting and conference, the initiative will also foster collaboration through a program aimed at funding research mobility among Arab institutions. This program seeks to facilitate the movement of researchers within the Arab world, allowing them to visit different laboratories and collaborate with their peers. Lab visits will be funded upon request and justification from the associated institution, with each proposal required to outline the purpose, duration, and anticipated benefits of the research activity.
The mobility program is designed to support up to ten trips per year, with a maximum funding of $2,500 per trip. This includes travel costs, accommodation, and visa fees.
These initiatives aim to overcome the current fragmentation and competition, paving the way for a more unified and effective approach to fusion energy research in the Arab world.​​​