Patrick Mccray
Research project
Fusion, the Merging of Politics and Culture in a Contemporary Mega-Science Project.
Project summary
My proposed research examines the history of a contemporary mega-science project in southern France. Using interviews and critical analysis of French and international media coverage, I will explore the history of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER), an ambitious fusion energy project. I will situate my findings in the context of France’s tradition of bold, high-technology projects, southern France’s technological and economic development, and national and international science policies. My intent is to answer two broad questions – First, how does the ITER project fit into the larger history of France’s embrace of nuclear power? Second, how do large international science collaborations fit into regional cultures – rural France, in this case – while also helping fulfill broader goals such as further cooperation of European Union countries ?
