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Lawrence Livermore research highlighted at AAAS annual meeting

(Download Image) Mike Dunne , Debbie Callahan and Elizabeth Cantwell . Click on names for high resolution images.
LIVERMORE, Calif. -- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory will highlight its expertise in fusion energy and space exploration when the American Association for the Advancement of Science holds its annual meeting, Feb. 14-18 in Boston.

This year's meeting spotlights the "unreasonable effectiveness" of the scientific enterprise in creating economic growth, solving societal problems and satisfying the essential human drive to understand the world in which we live.

Mike Dunne, the Lab's director for Laser Fusion Energy, will present "The Path to Laser Inertial Fusion Energy (LIFE)" as part of the session "Worldwide Progress toward Fusion Energy." This symposium explores fusion energy as the field is headed for a turning point, as two complementary approaches -- magnetic and inertial fusion -- are entering new experimental regimes.

Dunne's talk will discuss the pathway to laser inertial fusion energy. Anticipating ignition on LLNL's recently completed National Ignition Facility, plans have been developed for transition to commercial delivery of a demonstration power plant, known as LIFE. Because of its near-term potential, recent work has been driven by the requirements of likely end-users, including economic, social and policy considerations.

Also during this symposium, LLNL's Debbie Callahan will present "NIF Program and Ignition Campaign." Callahan, the group leader for inertial fusion target design, will discuss experimental techniques and results on the path to achieving controlled fusion in the laboratory using the NIF.

The symposium takes place 8:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 16.

On Monday, Feb. 18, LLNL Engineering Director of Mission Development Elizabeth Cantwell will present "Recapturing a Future for Space Exploration: Research for a New Era" as part of the session "Science From the International Space Station." This symposium brings together scientists spanning the biological and physical sciences to describe the work they have already done from the space station and the plans and challenges for the next decade. The symposium will take place 9:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

In 2009, NASA asked for a decadal survey that would provide an integrated set of recommendations for life and physical sciences research in microgravity and partial gravity for the coming decade. Cantwell's talk will review the final report, the culmination of a two year effort by 90 scientists and seven study panels to review and provide guidance on a science program that covers a broad range of life and physical science disciplines that both enable and are enabled by the human exploration of space.

AAAS is an international nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing science around the world. In addition to serving more than 10 million members worldwide, AAAS publishes the journal Science , as well as many scientific newsletters, books and reports, and spearheads programs that raise the bar of understanding for science worldwide.