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Visits team

Putting stars in the eyes of every visitor

25 Feb 2019 - Katerina Komissarova
Whether you are a physicist or an engineer, a journalist or a businessperson, a student or a tourist ... the ITER Communication visits team can plan a visit for you.
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The magic of visiting ITER. Physicist Greg De Temmerman runs a mini ITER laboratory during Open Doors day in October 2018, using marshmallows to explain the phenomenon of vacuum.
The ITER Communication visits team shares its unique experience and knowledge of the ITER Project all year round*, tailoring each visit program to the type of guest or group. Welcoming on average two visitor groups per day, the team strives to answer any and all questions from visitors with diverse interests and educational backgrounds.
 
Depending on the visitor profile, presentations and tours can focus on ITER science, ITER construction, engineering and manufacturing, international collaboration, or the complex organization of a project of this scale.
 
This is the magic of visiting ITER.
 
The "fusion journey" of the curious mind usually begins at ITER's state-of-the-art Visitor Centre, where guests can enjoy a rich and immersive experience. During a one-hour presentation, the audience learns about fusion in the universe, fusion on Earth, the advantages of the ITER machine, and ITER's mission and history.
 
Guiding the audience through the complex ITER universe represents a double challenge. The person "running the show" must sense the needs of each group and adapt the presentation timely and efficiently, while explaining complex technological concepts in an accessible manner. Every group is different; every "ITER journey" is unique. One thing that does not change from visit to visit, from group to group, is the "good vibe" that visitors and their guide share. It comes naturally: the audience shares the guide's enthusiasm while gradually taking steps into the ITER world. The excitement is catching. Questions are asked and answered.
 
People from neighbouring towns are happy to learn that ITER is creating jobs. Visitors from abroad enjoy deeper explanations about the international aspects of the project and the challenging logistics put into place to bring ITER components from all over the world to southern France. Those following the project closely are eager to hear about progress on the buildings that will soon house the ITER machine and systems.
 
And—worksite conditions permitting—every visit ends with a tour of the ITER construction site by bus. The excitement at this point usually puts stars in the eyes of our visitors ...
 
We invite you to look at the project's website for more information about visiting ITER.
 
ITER also participates in the organization of local and regional events, competitions and conferences to raise awareness about the project and nuclear fusion in general. In particular, our biannual ITER Open Doors days are a great opportunity for the public to learn more about the project (follow the link in blue above).

*14,000 people visited ITER last year—7,500 visitors were accompanied by the ITER Communication visits team, 1,500 by the Director-General's Cabinet VIP team, and 5,000 local schoolchildren by Agence Iter France.
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