National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS)
National Institutes of Natural Sciences (NINS)

Peer Review Reports in FY2012

March, 2013

External Review Committee, NIFS Administrative Council

Contents
Chapter

1 Background ···················································· 1

Chapter

2 Reviews and Proposals ···································· 5
2.1 Summary of reviews ·················································· 5
2.2 Proposals ······························································· 9

Chapter

3 In closing ······················································ 11

Appendix: Charts of review results

Chapter 1

Background

The National Institute for Fusion Science was established in 1989 as a national inter-university
research institute aiming at promoting fusion studies in universities. A large-scale plasma
experimental device, designed with the consensus of the fusion research community, was developed
at the institute. This is called the Large Helical Device, or LHD, uniquely characterized by its
superconducting Heliotron-type magnetic confinement system, which has been independently
conceived and developed here in Japan. Through its high-power heating system, the device iscapable of generating helically-shaped, high-performance plasmas.

Various experimental programs are being pursued with LHD for the purposes of understanding
plasma physics and fulfilling engineering requirements, which are all aimed at achieving therealization of a toroidal magnetically plasma-confining fusion reactor. However, the physics offusion plasmas is so complex that a solely experimental approach is not sufficient to understand it.
Therefore, NIFS is conducting theoretical research in parallel. With the most-advanced dedicatedsupercomputer in service, NIFS has been running large-scale simulations, which are indispensable inunderstanding fusion plasmas, and at the same time, encouraging theory researchers across Japan to
use the supercomputer for their pursuits. In doing so, the institute is leading the research in this field.

In 2004, Japan reformed its education sector. NIFS became incorporated and affiliated with a
newly-established independent administrative entity, the National Institute of Natural Sciences. As aresult of incorporation, NIFS as well as other similar institutions are now subject to external
evaluation. They are required to make a plan every six year and undergo an annual assessment byoutsiders, which basically focuses on administrative operation.

However, NIFS voluntarily exposes its scientific activities to external review as it considers it
important. Its administrative council, comprised of both NIFS and non-NIFS members, determines
what section would be reviewed each year. A panel is formed annually, consisting of non-NIFS
members from the administrative council as well as experts from outside of NIFS including foreign
researchers, to conduct an evaluation. The panel reports to the administrative council with theirevaluation results, based upon which NIFS will make adjustments for better operation.

In 2010, NIFS began a new 6-year plan to run on three new Projects – LHD, Numerical Simulation
and Fusion Engineering. The plan shows that NIFS is going to integrate results from the threeprojects into one direction headed toward a helical fusion reactor. To this end, NIFS removed thedivisional barriers that might have limited the activities of research members. All the members are1now placed into one department so that they can freely take part in any of the three Projects. This
newly-introduced framework is expected to increase cooperation among the three projects and has
given them the ability to remain flexible in addressing new challenges.

A year later, the administrative council decided to evaluate the effectiveness of the project-based
system. The LHD Project became the first target in 2011. In the following year, the committee
decided to have another project, “the Numerical Simulation Research Project” evaluated. A panel
was set up with 9 non-NIFS administrative council members and 10 invited experts (five Japaneseand five foreigners).

In their first meeting held on October 4th, 2012 the members discussed the review process anddetermined the overall objectives and individual items. On December 2nd, NIFS presented
Numerical Simulation Research Project (NSRP) activities in detail using view graphs and othermaterials, and answered the questions from the reviewers. On January 11th, 2013 reviewers gatheredin subgroups and rated the activities after resolving any outstanding issues. The reviewers met on
January 31st to finalize their review and document this report.

This report consists of three chapters; “Background”, “Reviews and Proposals” and “In Closing”.

The report will be submitted to the administrative council of NIFS. After gaining its approval, theDirector-General of NIFS will hand in it to the President of its parental body, NINS. It will go
through NINS to be given in to the Administrative Council and the Education and Research Councilof NINS. After the approval of these councils, this report will be used as an appendix of NINS’sannual reports in “Annual Plan of NINS (JFY2013)” and “Report of Achievements of BusinessWork in JFY2012” to be submitted to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sprorts, Science andTechnology. The report will be open to public on the web as well as in print.

The following is a list of this year’s evaluation points on the Numerical Simulation Research Project(NSRP):The points mentioned hereinafter consist of all the aspects that are indispensable in evaluating theperformance of NIFS's Numerical Simulation Research Project under the mid-term plan given by the
NIFS parent organization of the National Institutes of Natural Science. Reviewers will basicallyassess the levels of goal attainment and scientific quality.

Notes from the last Peer Review in 2007：2

1. Does NIFS play a leading role in extracting the potentials of universities and institutes acrossJapan for the development of integral transport codes and other long-term large-scale
simulation research?
2. Does NIFS aid in the nurture of young researchers to maintain the advancement of fusion
research in the long term while providing an internationally-opened research environment?
3.

Is NIFS an organization that is able to develop research extensively in all areas of fusion
science? Is its inter-university collaboration system capable of working in that way?

[1] Development of research system and environment(1) Are the objectives of the Numerical Simulation Research Project (NSRP), which wasintroduced in 2010, appropriate?
(2) Is the research system for promoting the NSRP suitable for its objectives?
Does it function appropriately?
(3) In the NSRP, is the environment on the “Plasma Simulator” system and its related researches
appropriate?

[2] Research achievements
Does the NSRP produce high-level achievements in accordance with international standards forthe following research areas, by promoting theory and computer simulation researches utilizing
the Plasma Simulator?
(1) Construction of Numerical Test Reactor for a helical fusion system (including contribution to
the development of high-performance LHD plasma, to the design of a helical demo reactor,
and to the sophistication of computational science)(2) Physics mechanisms of fusion plasmas and their theoretical systemization[3] Promotion of collaboration regarding the NSRP
(1) Does the NSRP promote collaboration researches as a center of excellence, by integrating thehigh capabilities of the universities and institutes?
(2) Is the Plasma Simulator effectively utilized for collaboration research?
(3) Does the NSRP function as a research hub for the dissemination of academic information toother fields, by promoting NINS (National Institutes of National Sciences) interdisciplinary
cooperation research and so on?
(4) Does the NSRP contribute to the development of research in universities?

[4] Promotion of international cooperation and collaborations(1) Does the NSRP play a role as an international COE through international collaboration3

research?
(2) Does the NSRP promote cooperation with and contribution to ITER and BA activities?

[5] Human resources development
Does the NSRP contribute to the human resources development of the international scientificworkforce required for long-term fusion studies through simulation research?

[6] Future plans
Is the research plan of the NSRP appropriate for the realization of the objectives?
Is it suitable and realistic for the next decade?

4

Chapter 2

Reviews and Proposals

Here is a summary of the comments and arguments given by the reviewers. This is followed byproposals which will be important in advancing the NSRP research.

2.1 Summary of reviews[1] Development of research system and environment(1) Are the objectives of the Numerical Simulation Research Project (NSRP), which wasintroduced in 2010, appropriate?
Objectives are strategically given ranging from the elucidation of physics mechanisms inherent
in fusion plasma, through the integration of acquired elements, to the development of a
Numerical Test Reactor. The chosen objectives are adequate for a Project that attempts toclarify core plasma physics and integrate models. These objectives also have to be achieved inorder that LHD data is reflected in the design of a helical DEMO reactor, therefore steadyprogress is desired. The NSRP objectives are highly commendable.
It is desired that the Project will tighten a cooperative ties between the experiment and theengineering counterparts. It is also desired that the Project will set more concrete milestones
and specific targets en route toward Numerical Test Reactor (NTR).
.

(2) Is the research system for promoting the NSRP suitable for its objectives?
Does it function appropriately?
The provisions of task-force groups and the steering committee coordinating their activity areappropriate. The task-oriented system has increased the freedom and mobility of researchers,
and therefore has vitalized the Project itself. The research system fits in well with efforts forthe objectives and is working appropriately. It is highly commendable.
It is desired that the Project will revise the system so that its members could work with a viewof concrete goals.

(3) In the NSRP, is the environment on the “Plasma Simulator” system and its related
researches appropriate?

5The Plasma Simulator, the backbone machine of the NSRP Project, has been regularly upgraded
as required for achieving the Project’s objectives, and it now runs on one of the most advanced
computing systems in Japan. The conditions surrounding the Simulator have been improved
and organized adequately. This is an extremely valuable collaboration resource, and many
researchers from various universities across Japan have been using the Plasma Simulator toreach important results. The efforts on the research infrastructure are extremely highly
commendable.
It is desired that the Project will regularly revise the updating plan to upgrade the Simulator
with further advanced systems, pulling up to the ever-improving large-scale computing
technology. It is recommended that the Project will also make an effective use of any othercomputational resources available in Japan.

[2] Research achievements
Does the NSRP produce high-level achievements in accordance with international standards
for the following research areas, by promoting theory and computer simulation researches
utilizing the Plasma Simulator?

(1) Construction of Numerical Test Reactor for a helical fusion system (including contribution
to the development of high-performance LHD plasma, to the design of a helical demo
reactor, and to the sophistication of computational science)
Utilizing effectively the advanced computing system, the NSRP Project has not only produced
various new codes, but has also achieved high-level parallelization among major simulation
codes, which are contributing to the sophistication of computational techniques. The work has
also helped those studying LHD data, which is eventually assisting the understanding of LHD
plasmas and the increase in the device’s capability. Those products related to theconstruction of a Numerical Test Reactor are highly commended.
The Project should work harder on the development of integrated models aimed at theconstruction of a NTR, which will consequently lead to a helical reactor of the future. A
strategic perspective has to be given to such efforts.

(2) Physics mechanisms of fusion plasmas and their theoretical systemization
The Project has advanced large-scale simulation up to the level that may pave a way tocomprehend fusion plasma physics, and its products deserve international recognition. The
efforts for understanding of physics mechanisms in fusion plasmas and theoretical
6systemization are highly commended.
It is desired that the Project will ensure that the theoretical systematization will go ahead in amanner to organically combine individual elements studies with each other and to be able togive a systematic description on new discoveries.

[3] Promotion of collaboration regarding the NSRP

(1) Does the NSRP promote collaboration researches as the center of excellence, byintegrating the high capabilities of the universities and institutes?
Various joint research programs are ongoing at NIFS, and the Plasma Simulator Symposium,
which the Project annually holds, hosts many participants each year. By bringing together
excellent research abilities from universities, the Project is appropriately carrying out joint
programs. Its performance as a COE is extremely highly commended.
It is desired that the Project will develop advanced computer programs and improve
computational skills in accordance to the ever-improving technologies of supercomputers. It isalso desired that, as well as better infrastructure, the Project will keep human resources
developments in the scope of its work.

(2) Is the Plasma Simulator effectively utilized for collaboration research?
Through various programs offered by the Project, a number of researchers both from NIFS andfrom other institutions are able to share the Plasma Simulator effectively, which is extremely
highly commended.

(3) Does the NSRP function as a research hub for the dissemination of academic information
to other fields, by promoting the NINS (National Institutes of National Sciences)interdisciplinary cooperation research and so on?

The work for promoting the NINS interdisciplinary cooperation scheme anddisseminating academic information to other fields is highly commended. It is desired thatthe dissemination will be expanded.

(4) Does the NSRP contribute to the development of research in the universities?

7By offering collaboration programs to many universities, the Project has been carrying out
distinctive research with them by bringing out a high level of academic results. Among those,
are newly developed numerical simulation codes. Undoubtedly, all these efforts have greatly
helped the advancement of research in universities. The Project’s contribution is highly
commended.

[4] Promotion of international cooperation and collaborations(1) Does the NSRP play a role as an international COE through international collaboration
research?
NIFS has been serving as a host institute for the Japan-US cooperation program of the Joint
Institute for Fusion Theory, from which many university researchers are benefitting very much.
NIFS has been also playing a significant role in other projects based on bilateral agreements
like Japan-Europe, Japan-China and Japan-South Korea. In such frameworks, the NSRP Projectis sufficiently assuming the responsibility as an international COE. The work is highly
commended.
It is desired that the NSRP will continue its commitment for the further advancement of its
fusion research as an international COE.

(2) Does the NSRP promote cooperation with and contribution to ITER and BA activities?
NIFS does not only let the head of its Rokkasho Research Center serve concurrently as a leaderof the BA-related project of IFERC, but also has been greatly contributing to the JT-60SA joint
activities. This shows that the institute has helped to improve the provisions for BA-related
joint activities. As to the ITER Project, many of NIFS’s members are taking part in the ITPA
activities, and the three-dimension simulation codes developed at NIFS are used at ITER. Thosesuggest NSRP’s active participation and contribution to ITER and BA. In terms ofcommitment to ITER and BA, the work is highly commended.

[5] Human resources development
Does the NSRP contribute to the human resources development of the international scientificworkforce required for long-term fusion studies through simulation research?
8

The Project is training young researchers and students through the research programs it offers.
The Sokendai’s Asian Winter School, an annual education program organized by the Projectthat attracts young researchers in and out of Japan, helps fostering international competency ofparticipants. The Project also assists science education for high school students. Therefore, itscommitment for human resources development is highly commendable.
It is desired that the Project will continue its educational commitment to the future ofsimulation research and computational science.

[6] Future plans
Is the research plan of the NSRP appropriate for the realization of the objectives?
Is it suitable and realistic for the next decade?
The plan shows that the Project intends to advance simulation science based on the dataobtained from LHD and other large-scale machines. It also suggests that the Project will utilize
the science back to the improvement of LHD performances, and to eventually design a
Numerical Test Reactor. The Project is going to study individual physics elements first, andthen integrate these findings to create a NTR. The plan is highly commended.
It is desired that the Project will set more concrete goals and provide a clear roadmap toward
the NTR construction. Computational provisions need to be reinforced for the new plan to be
implemented.

2.2

Propasals

Here is a summary of recommendations given by the panel to the Project for its future operation.

(1)

For the success of the objectives – the elucidation of physics of fusion plasma confinement,
the systematization of found mechanisms and the construction of NTR, the NSRP Project isextremely important. It is desired that the Project will make progress.

(2)

The NSRP teams must work in a close relationship with the experimental teams as well as
the engineering teams. It is desired that the Project will make its research plan more
concrete and explicit by creating a roadmap to NTR.
9(3)It is desired that the Project will enrich research infrastructure and sophisticatecomputational techniques by increasing capabilities of the Plasma Simulator and othercomputing resources.

(4)

It is desired that the NSRP Project will continuously nurture researchers that can bear
simulation research and computational science of the future. It is also desired the Projectwill keep its active commitment to the ITER Project and BA activities.

10Chapter 3

In closing

Before the second six-year term began in 2010, NIFS got itself ready. Setting up research projects inthree fields of LHD, numerical simulation and fusion engineering, the institute set up a new plan torun on the three wheels, while integrating products from the all three projects, in the direction to therealization of fusion reactors. In this end, all the research members were placed into one large
department and allowed to participate in any of those projects. The divisional barrier-free structure isstrengthening linkages among the three projects, and therefore NIFS will be likely to become
flexible in responding to scientific requirements.

NIFS’s administrative council decided to have one of the three projects, the Numerical Simulation
Research Project, evaluated this year, following the LHD Project review last year. Non-NIFS
adminitrative council members formed a Review panel with ten experts appointed from otherinstitutions in Japan as well as abroad. On October 4, 2012, the panel held its first meeting anddetermined a process in detail. The following is an agreed list of evaluation points:[1] Development of research system and environment(1) Are the objectives of the Numerical Simulation Research Project (NSRP), which wasintroduced in 2010, appropriate?
(2) Is the research system for promoting the NSRP suitable for its objectives?
Does it function appropriately?
(3) In the NSRP, is the environment on the “Plasma Simulator” system and its related researches
appropriate?

[2] Research achievements
Does the NSRP produce high-level achievements in accordance with international standards forthe following research areas, by promoting theory and computer simulation researches utilizing
the Plasma Simulator?
(1) Construction of Numerical Test Reactor for a helical fusion system (including contribution to
the development of high-performance LHD plasma, to the design of a helical demo reactor,
and to the sophistication of computational science)(2) Physics mechanisms of fusion plasmas and their theoretical systemization[3] Promotion of collaboration regarding to the NSRP
(1) Does the NSRP promote collaboration researches as the center of excellence, by integrating
the high capabilities of the universities and institutes?
11

(2) Is the Plasma Simulator effectively utilized for collaboration research?
(3) Does the NSRP function as a research hub for the dissemination of academic information toother fields, by promoting the NINS (National Institutes of National Sciences)interdisciplinary cooperation research and so on?
(4) Does the NSRP contribute to the development of research in the universities?

[4] Promotion of international cooperation and collaborations(1) Does the NSRP play a role as an international COE through international collaboration
research?
(2) Does the NSRP promote cooperation with and contribution to ITER and BA activities?

[5] Human resources development
Does the NSRP contribute to the human resources development of the international scientificworkforce required for long-term fusion studies through simulation research?

[6] Future plans
Is the research plan of the NSRP appropriate for the realization of the objectives ?
Is it suitable and realistic for the next decade?

At their second meeting held on December 2, 2012, the panel was provided by the institute withdetail information on the NSRP activities along with the items above. On January 11, the reviewers
gathered in subdivided groups and moved forward the evaluation process. After all the subgroups
completed their proposals, the panel finalized its work in a report at their third meeting held on
January 11, 2012.

Here is a summary of evaluation results in response to each question:[1] Development of research system and environment(1) Are the objectives of the Numerical Simulation Research Project (NSRP), which wasintroduced in 2010, appropriate?
The NSRP Project, which is aimed to clarify a complete picture of physics mechanisms infusion plasma, is given objectives that are set strategically: the elucidation of physics elements,
the systematization of obtained mechanisms, and the construction of a Numerical Test Reactor.
12

The objective setting is appropriate. The given tasks are also important in a bid to utilize LHD
products on NTR designing. It is desired that the Project will make steady progress. The
NSRP’s objective setting is highly commended.

(2) Is the research system for promoting the NSRP suitable for its objectives?
Does it function appropriately?
It is appropriate that the Project is provided with taskforces (the Task Groups) and a coordinator(the Steering Group). The system is task-oriented, so it has been raising the freedom andmobility of researchers, and thus vitalizing the Project itself. The research system works
properly and fits well with the Project’s objectives, which is highly commended.

(3) In the NSRP, is the environment on the “Plasma Simulator” system and its related
researches appropriate?
The Project’s backbone device of the Plasma Simulator has been regularly upgraded as required
for achieving the objectives, and now employs one of the most advanced super computing
systems in Japan. Provisions and conditions for the simulator have become improved, and theSimulator is adequately in operation. This collaboration resource is so valuable that many
co-researchers are coming from across Japan to use the Plasma Simulator to obtain productive
results. The efforts on the Plasma Simulator and relevant requirements are extremely
highly commended.

[2] Research achievements
Does the NSRP produce high-level achievements in accordance with international standards
for the following research areas, by promoting theory and computer simulation researches
utilizing the Plasma Simulator?

(1) Construction of Numerical Test Reactor for a helical fusion system (including contribution
to the development of high-performance LHD plasma, to the design of a helical demo
reactor, and to the sophistication of computational science)
The Project has not only achieved a successful parallelization among major computing codes atadvanced levels, but also produced internationally-competitive scientific results based on the13superior computational performances. It has also helped analyze LHD experiment data, which
is a considerable contribution to the understanding and upgrading LHD plasmas. Meanwhile,the developed codes are bringing computation scientists to a further sophisticated area. The
results related to the NTR construction are highly commendable.

(2) Physics mechanisms of fusion plasmas and their theoretical systemization
The Project has advanced large-scale simulation to the levels that may lead to the elucidation of
the complex fusion plasma physics, and these outcomes deserve international recognition. The
effort is highly commended.

[3] Promotion of collaboration regarding the NSRP

(1) Does the NSRP promote collaboration researches as the center of excellence, byintegrating the high capabilities of the universities and institutes?
A number of collaborative programs are ongoing mostly at NIFS. The Project annually holds
the Plasma Simulator Symposium, in which many researchers participate to exchange views.
Besides, bringing together excellent research abilities from universities, the Project is carryingout joint research, which is an adequate performance as a COE. The work is extremely highly
commended.

(2) Is the Plasma Simulator effectively utilized for collaboration research?
The Plasma Simulator, expected to be a users facility, has been effectively used by a number of
researchers in and out of NIFS through collaboration programs offered by NIFS. The effective
sharing of the resource is extremely highly commended.

(3) Does the NSRP function as a research hub for the dissemination of academic information
to other fields, by promoting the NINS (National Institutes of National Sciences)interdisciplinary cooperation research and so on?

The work for the promotion of the NINS interdisciplinary scheme and the disseminationof academic information to other fields is highly commended.

14

(4) Does the NSRP contribute to the development of research in the universities?
Offering collaboration programs to many universities, the Project has been carrying out
distinctive research with them by bringing out a high level of academic results. Among them arenewly developed numerical simulation codes. All these efforts have greatly helped theadvancement of research in universities. The Project’s contribution is highly commended.

[4] Promotion of international cooperation and collaborations(1) Does the NSRP play a role as an international COE through international collaboration
research?
NIFS has been serving as a host institute of the Japan-US cooperation of JIFT, which is very
advantageous to many universities. NIFS is also playing an important role in some othermultinational frameworks of Japan with Europe, China and South Korea. The commitment as
an international COE is sufficient and highly commended.

(2) Does the NSRP promote cooperation with and contribution to ITER and BA activities?
As NIFS approves the head of its Rokkasho Research Center to concurrently serve as leader of
the IFERC Project, and as NIFS has been involved in the JT-60SA joint research programs, it
has greatly helped BA in terms of the improvement in the provisions for collaborations. As to
the ITER Project, there is an active commitment. Many of the members have taken part in the
ITPA activities, and the three-dimensional simulation codes developed at NIFS are used for
ITER researches. Therefore, the Projects is actively involved and helping both ITER and BA
projects. Its cooperation and commitment to ITER and BA are highly commended.

[5] Human resources development
Does the NSRP contribute to the human resources development of the international scientificworkforce required for long-term fusion studies through simulation research?
Though its programs, the Project is fostering young researchers and students. One of its
educational program, “The Sokendai’s Asian Winter School” helps reinforce international
competency of young participants. The Project also supports science education for high school15

students in a considerable way. The work related to human resources development is highly
commended.

[6] Future plans
Is the research plan of the NSRP appropriate for the realization of the objectives?
Is it suitable and realistic for the next decade?
The plan shows that the NSRP Project intends to develop simulation science based on theexperimental data obtained from LHD and other large machines. At the same time, the Project
also intends to utilize the science to reinforce LHD performance in a manner leading to theconstruction of a Numerical Test Reactor. The plan suggests that the Project will examine
specific plasma physics, combine elucidated elements and create an integrated multiple modelof NTR. The plan is highly commended.

Here is a summary of the reviewers’ comments on the future of the NSRP Project.

(1)

The NSRP Project is extremely significant for achieving the three-step objectives: to clarify
physics elements constituting fusion plasma confinement, to integrate the mechanisms
individually elucidated and to construct a Numerical Test Reactor. The Project’s progress isdesired.

(2)

The NSRP teams should work in a close relationship with the experimental teams and theengineering teams. Concrete approach, including a clear roadmap toward NTR, is desired.

(3)

It is desired that including the enhancement in the performance of the Plasma Simulator andother resources, the Project will enrich research infrastructure and sophisticate computing
techniques.

(4)

It is desired that the Project will continue its commitment to the future of simulation
research and computational science in terms of human resource development. It is also
desired that the Project will keep its active contribution to the ITER and BA activities.

The reviewers highly commend the Project’s three-step strategy of physics elucidation,
16

theoretical systematization and the NTR construction. The Project’s progress should be
essential for an earlier realization of fusion DEMO reactors. What is desired now is that the
Project will make its objectives more concrete and roadmap more explicit. With a rather clear
view, it is hoped that the Project will step up its efforts.

17

Result of NSRP Evaluation 2012
Number of persons
Items[1](1)Objectiv [1](2)Research [1](3)Research [2](1)NTR
e settingssysteminfrastructure construction[2](2)Physics[3](1)Role aselucidationCOE
andsystemization[3](2)Use of
PlasmaSimulator[3](4)Commit[3](3)NINSInterdisciplinar ment touniversities
y scheme[4](1)Role asinternational
COE[4](2)
Cooperation
to ITER and
BA

[5]
Human
resourcesdevelopment[6]
Future plan

S

4

3

10

7

7

13

9

7

8

9

3

5

2

A
B

12
1

13
2

7
1

7
3

8
2

5
0

8
0

6
5

10
0

8
1

14
0

12
1

12
4

C

1

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

4.06

4.06

4.50

4.24

4.72

4.53

4.11

4.44

4.44

4.18

4.22

3.89

Averagescores4.29

Evaluation scoring
S

Extremely highly commendable

5

A
B

Highly commendable
Commendable

4
3C

Adequate

2

D

Inadequate1※ This table contains all the scores
given by both Japanese and foreign
reviewers.
Total numbers vary by item because someare left blank.

Evaluation points

Items
[1]

（Development of research system and environment）[1](1)

Are the objectives of the Numerical Simulation Research Project (NSRP), which was introduced in 2010, appropriate?

[1](2)Is the research system for promoting the NSRP suitable for its objectives?
Does it function appropriately?

[1](3)In the NSRP, is the environment on the “Plasma Simulator” system and its related researches appropriate?

［2］（Research achievements）
Does the NSRP produce high-level achievements in accordance with international standards for the following research areas, bypromoting theory and computer simulation researches utilizing the Plasma Simulator?

[2](1)

Construction of Numerical Test Reactor for a helical fusion system (including contribution to the development of high-performance
LHD plasma, to the design of a helical demo reactor, and to the sophistication of computational science)[2](2)

Physics mechanisms of fusion plasmas and their theoretical systemization［3］（Promotion of collaboration regarding the NSRP）[3](1)

Does the NSRP promote collaboration researches as the center of excellence, by integrating the high capabilities of the universities
and institutes?

[3](2)Is the Plasma Simulator effectively utilized for collaboration research?

[3](3)

Does the NSRP function as a research hub for the dissemination of academic information to other fields, by promoting the NINS
(National Institutes of National Sciences) interdisciplinary cooperation research and so on?

[3](4)

Does the NSRP contribute to the development of research in the universities?

［4］（Promotion of international cooperation and collaborations）[4](1)

Does the NSRP play a role as an international COE through international collaboration research?

[4](2)

Does the NSRP promote cooperation with and contribution to ITER and BA activities?

[5]

[6]

（Human resources development）
Does the NSRP contribute to the human resources development of the international scientific workforce required for long-term fusion
studies through simulation research?
（Future plans）
Is the research plan of the NSRP appropriate for the realization of the objectives ?
Is it suitable and realistic for the next decade?

Item-by-item average scores
5.00
4.75
4.50
4.25
4.00
3.75
3.50
3.25
Averagescore forabsolute

3.00
2.75

Item-byitem
averagescores

2.50
2.25
2.00
1.75
1.50
1.25
1.00
[1](1)Objectiv [1](2)Researce settingsh system
Average scores

4.06[1](3)Researc[2](1)NTR
hconstruction
infrastructure

4.06

4.50

[2](2)Physics
elucidation [3](1)Role asandCOEsystemization

4.24

4.29

4.72

4.53

4.11

4.44

4.44

[1](1)Objective settings
5.00

[6]
Future plan

4.50

4.06
4.50

3.00

4.22

[1](3)Research infrastructure

2.50
2.00

[4](2)
Cooperation to ITER and BA

1.50

4.18

4.24

[2](1)NTR construction

4.29[2](2)Physics elucidation andsystemization

1.00

4.44
[4](1)Role as international COE

4.44[3](4)Commitment to universities

4.72 [3](1)Role as COE

4.11
4.53

[3](3)NINS Interdisciplinary scheme[3](2)Use of Plasma Simulator

4.22

3.89

Average score forabsolute assessment

4.06

3.50

4.18

[6]
Future plan

Item-by-item averagescores[1](2)Research system

4.00

3.89
[5]
Human resources development[4](2)[5][3](2)Use of [3](3)NINS [3](4)Commit [4](1)Role as
Cooperation
Human
PlasmaInterdisciplina
ment tointernational
to ITER andresources
Simulator
ry scheme
universities
COE
BA
development

Inter-University Research Institute Corporation
National Institutes of Natural Sciences

National Institute for Fusion Science322-6 Oroshi-cho, Toki, Gifu, 509-5292, Japan

http://www.nifs.ac.jp/