Fusion Energy Socio-Technical Observatory

Fusion energy is advancing quickly, but its future will depend on more than scientific and engineering progress.

It will also depend on effective science communication, informed public engagement, and evidence-based decision-making.

We’re excited to share the Fusion Energy Socio-Technical Observatory — a new interactive resource we developed to explore how the public understands and evaluates fusion energy, how experts view its future and communication challenges, and where the two perspectives align or diverge.

The Observatory brings together nationally representative surveys of U.S. adults conducted in 2025 and 2026, along with a 2026 survey of fusion energy experts.

Users can explore:

• How Americans understand and evaluate fusion energy, including its risks, costs, benefits, timelines, siting, and regulation
• Perspectives from researchers, engineers, regulators, and industry leaders across the fusion community
• What members of the public and experts told us in their own words
• Where public and expert perspectives agree, where they differ, and how accurately experts understand public opinion
• What these findings suggest for science communication and public engagement

Our goal is to provide evidence that can help support informed discussion and decision-making as fusion energy continues to develop.

Explore the Fusion Energy Socio-Technical Observatory (opens in a new tab)