Theory Coordinating Committee Statement of Purpose

The purpose of the Theory Coordinating Committee (TCC) is to bring to the US controlled fusion program the best insights and results of theoretical physics. To this end, the committee attempts to identify fusion physics issues that would particularly benefit from theoretical study and to inform the theoretical community about them. It also investigates administrative developments that might affect theoretical fusion research. When the committee concludes that fusion program policy could take better advantage of theoretical effort and talent, it attempts to influence that policy.

The members of the TCC are Theory Group heads and other leading fusion theorists. Theory Program Managers from OFES attend the TCC meetings.

The TCC has written letters to Program Leaders and Policy Makers, offering information and advice. The TCC has also issued several reports and, motivated by the FESAC Theory Panle Report, the TCC is currently producing several white papers on fusion theory issues, challenges, and plans.

Theory Coordinating Committee Origin and History

The Theory Coordinating Committee (TCC) was organized in 1988 by Dave Baldwin to provide a vehicle for coordinating theory activities within the Magnetic Fusion program. Richard Hazeltine succeeded him as chair in 1991 and Vincent Chan has been chair since 2000. The TCC holds meetings twice a year in conjunction with the Sherwood Theory Conference and the APS Division of Plasma Physics Meeting.