Foreword

In recent decades there has been considerable progress in physics and the technology necessary to exploit nuclear fusion as a source of energy. Through its programmatic activities, the IAEA not only continuously contributes to this global effort by facilitating international collaboration and the exchange of scientific and technical information, but also provides support in organizing relevant international conferences and symposia. The fifth International Conference on the Frontiers of Plasma Physics and Technology, held in Singapore from 10 to 22 April 2011, is a good example of successful collaboration. Approximately 110 delegates from all continents attended this conference. One of its main goals was to enable young researchers from developing countries to interact closely with international experts and to become acquainted with the latest developments in the field. The conference also helped initiate noteworthy collaboration between developing and developed countries.

This publication contains 54 manuscripts and presentations covering the material discussed during the conference. The conference organizers and the IAEA acknowledge the valuable contributions of all the experts who contributed to the scientific content of the conference. The IAEA officers responsible for this publication were R. Kamendje and T. Desai of the Division of Physical and Chemical Sciences.