Professor Liu Chen elected an Academician of Academia Sinica

Professor Liu Chen of the UCI Department of Physics & Astronomy, who does research in plasma physics, was just elected as an Academician of the Academia Sinica – a premier academic research institution based in Taipei, Taiwan. “As a theoretical plasma physicist, election into Academia Sinica not only means recognition of one’s scientific achievements, but also, for me, the significance of recognizing fusion energy as an attractive and viable energy source for mankind,” said Chen, who these days spends his time researching fundamental mechanisms governing fusion reactors. “I am working now on how to better contain the alpha particles produced in the fusion reactions so that they may be used to heat the fusion fuels and keep them burning.” Receiving news about his election, he added, made him feel “honored and happy.”