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Staff Stories

Toshiki Sono - Mechanical Engineer

#didn't know much about fusion energy;
#Japan;
#Plant Systems Program;
#from oil & gas;
#beauty of Provence
#baby;
#collaboration;
#respect;

Toshiki Sono is a Mechanical Engineer in the Plant Systems Program which is responsible for, among other things, cooling, disruption mitigation, and fuelling. He works for the Tritium Plant Project team that is delivering the fuel cycle system for the processing, recovery, storage, delivery, and removal of fusion fuels in ITER. He had experience in oil and gas plants but didn't know much about fusion energy before joining the project But working as an engineer at the frontier of scientific and technological development has always been one of his dreams.

"I am very proud to be able to contribute to the development of fusion science and technology in collaboration with other researchers and engineers in such an ambitious and challenging project. I believe that the realization of fusion power plants will enable future generations to access this essential source of energy in a peaceful manner."

Toshiki started at ITER in 2023 and, like many new arrivals, grappled with the adjustment to ITER’s rich international diversity. But more intimidating still was moving from the petroleum industry to nuclear fusion. “My colleagues are professionals who have different backgrounds. The biggest challenge for me was to dive into the world of fusion in such a diverse team and to show how I can contribute to the project to the best of my skills and abilities. The petroleum industry has a sound and mature engineering practice established over a long history. On the other hand, engineering activity in the fusion industry is experimentally and organically developing, and the engineers at ITER are expected to create the best way forward." For example, Toshiki is involved in the design of the second barrier of a multiple process piping system where the design practice is not yet well established. "We started our design activity almost from scratch by 'borrowing' knowledge from related industries."

He surmounted this hurdle with the support and guidance of his ITER colleagues. "Despite varied backgrounds and differing points of view, we can all discuss with respect, which makes me see things more clearly. This sense of collaboration and respect have been the key to my smooth adaptation.”  

Toshiki is captivated by the natural beauty and climate of southern France. He is originally from Japan but moved to Provence from Singapore. "There it was warm and humid; here in the south of France it is totally different!" He enjoys the four distinct seasons and outdoor activities such as cycling, hiking, and swimming. Even more, he is excited about his growing family. “Having a baby in a foreign country brings new challenges. But my colleagues have always cared for us and shared their practical knowledge and experience about living with a young family here. ITER staff and their spouses living near us have visited us with cooked food and spent time with our family." He looks forward to the upcoming changes and is excited about the next chapter in his family's life.