The DONES Steering Committee held its eighth meeting today in Escúzar (Granada), approving a series of strategic, governance, and management documents essential to advancing the DONES Programme’s implementation and strengthening coordination of international contributions.

The meeting brought together representatives of the parties to the Multilateral International DONES Agreement (MIDA): the IFMIF-DONES Spain Consortium, representing Spain; the Ruđer Bošković Institute, representing Croatia; the National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology (QST), representing Japan; Fusion for Energy (F4E), representing the European Union; and the Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare (INFN), representing Italy. Observers from various countries and organisations supporting the development of the DONES Programme also took part.

One of the main items on the agenda was the progress of project implementation. The Steering Committee confirmed that the milestone for starting on-site works for the Main Building and Plant Systems was achieved on schedule, in line with the programme’s approved baseline. This milestone was reached with the start of construction of the Main Building in August 2026, as part of Spain’s contribution.

This milestone marks a significant step for IFMIF-DONES, as the programme enters a new implementation phase with the start of one of the facility’s most important construction activities.

New frameworks to advance programme implementation

During the meeting, the Steering Committee approved the DONES Work Programme 2027 and updates to key aspects of the MIDA. These decisions strengthen the framework for programme implementation and improve coordination among the contributions of its international partners.

The Committee also approved an updated version of its Rules of Procedure, incorporating new provisions on observer participation.

In this regard, the Steering Committee noted the growing interest among third countries and organisations in participating in the DONES Programme. Future applications to participate as observers will be assessed in accordance with the procedure approved at today’s meeting in Escúzar.

Inmaculada Figueroa appointed Chair of the DONES Steering Committee

Another highlight of the meeting was the formal acknowledgement of Inmaculada Figueroa’s appointment as Chair of the DONES Steering Committee, following the successful completion of the corresponding written procedure.

Committee members welcomed Figueroa into her new role and expressed confidence in her leadership as the DONES Programme enters an increasingly significant implementation phase.

Monitoring progress and upcoming milestones

The Steering Committee also reviewed the overall progress of the DONES Programme, including its key performance indicators, schedule development, risk management, human resources and upcoming milestones.

The Committee welcomed the progress achieved and reaffirmed the commitment of all parties to maintaining the momentum needed to continue advancing the project’s implementation.

The next ordinary meeting of the DONES Steering Committee is scheduled to take place in Escúzar (Granada) on 6 April 2027.