Francesco Sette appointed Chair of F4E Governing Board

Francesco Sette has been appointed Chair of the F4E Governing Board, the body that supervises the activities of Fusion for Energy (F4E). He succeeds Carlos Alejaldre in the position and will serve for an initial period of two years starting on 1^st May 2026.

Sette, an Italian national, holds a PhD in physics from the University of Rome La Sapienza. Currently, a senior scientist at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF), a world-class scientific infrastructure, where he held the position of Director General for sixteen years until 2024, making the organisation a global reference in Big Science. Earlier, he served as Science Director and manager at the ESRF.

As a scientist, he has made prominent contributions to the field of condensed-matter physics and synchrotron radiation technology. His career spans over 35 years, during which he pioneered advanced experimental methods and authored more than 200 publications in peer-reviewed journals.

“I warmly welcome the appointment of Prof. Francesco Sette as Chair of F4E’s Governing Board. His expertise, long standing commitment to Big Science, and leadership in one of Europe’s major research infrastructures are impressive. I look forward to working closely with him, as the continued support of the Governing Board is key to F4E’s mission,” said Marc Lachaise, F4E Director.

“I am honoured to contribute to Europe’s efforts to make fusion a sustainable energy source for the future of humanity. Europe’s strong commitment to ITER, the Broader Approach and DONES, together with its leadership in fusion research and industrial collaboration, puts F4E at the centre of this endeavour. I am grateful to the European Commission, EURATOM, and the F4E Member States for their confidence, and to Carlos Alejaldre and Marc Lachaise for their valued guidance,” commented Francesco Sette.

Carlos Alejaldre, a Spanish national, steps down as Chair of F4E’s Governing Board after a four-year mandate. A physicist by training who served as Director General of CIEMAT and Deputy Director General of ITER Organization, among other senior positions in the fields of energy and research.

“We are tremendously appreciative of Carlos Alejaldre’s leadership as Chair of the Governing Board. During his mandate he saw first-hand the organisational transformation, progress in delivery and reporting. With his guidance and unwavering commitment, F4E has advanced in a positive direction, showing strong performance and important achievements across its major programmes,” added Marc Lachaise.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to chair F4E’s Governing Board during the past four years. I am more convinced than ever that the future of fusion in Europe must go through F4E,” stated Carlos Alejaldre.