“Big Science: Understanding the Tiny and the Immense” was the title of the inaugural lecture delivered on 9 October by our Director, Moisés Weber, at the School of Civil Engineering of the University of Granada.

The lecture marked the opening of the 2026–2027 academic year of the Inter-University Master’s Degree in Plasma Science and Fusion Technologies, jointly offered by the University of Seville and the University of Granada.

The programme is designed to train professionals and researchers to work at the forefront of plasma science and nuclear fusion, covering key areas such as:

• Plasma physics: The physical principles governing plasma behaviour in both terrestrial and space environments.

• Fluid dynamics and magnetohydrodynamics (MHD): The application of fluid mechanics and magnetohydrodynamic models to astrophysical systems and fusion reactors.

• Advanced computing: Modelling and numerical simulation of complex physical systems using high-performance computing (HPC), statistical analysis and machine learning techniques.

• Experimental techniques and diagnostics: Working with advanced scientific instrumentation, designing experiments, and acquiring and analysing data in plasma laboratories.

• Research and innovation: Developing the ability to lead scientific and technological projects and facilitate the transfer of knowledge and technology from the laboratory to the industrial and space sectors.