Super and Intrinsic Rotation: Planets, Stars and Fusion Plasmas

The Higgs Centre for Theoretical Physics together with the Centre for Plasma Theory at The University of Edinburgh will host a four day discussion meeting bringing together researchers from fusion plasma physics, planetary science and stellar astrophysics to explore the common physics of rotation in complex, magnetised and turbulent systems. The meeting will focus on intrinsic rotation in fusion plasmas and super-rotation in planetary and stellar atmospheres, examining the mechanisms that drive these flows, their role in transport, stability and confinement, and their wider implications for climate, stellar evolution and future fusion energy. Through a programme of invited talks, focused discussions, and opportunities for informal exchange, the meeting will foster new connections across disciplines and identify shared challenges, theoretical and experimental methods and directions for future research.

The meeting will also feature a poster session, providing an opportunity for early-career researchers and postgraduate students to present their work, exchange ideas and build connections across disciplines. We particularly encourage participation from early-career physicists working in fusion plasma, planetary and stellar physics research. A themed issue of Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A is planned to accompany the meeting, highlighting developments arising from the discussions and showcasing the breadth of research on rotational flows in complex physical systems.

Registration will open soon

All participants in HCTP activities are expected to show respect and courtesy to others throughout the duration of an event, including at social events. We draw the participants’ attention to the HCTP Code of Conduct