FESTIM Fellowship Programme#
Previous Fellows#
Read our interview with Tez, our very first FESTIM Fellow, to learn about her experience mastering FESTIM v2 at MIT.
A selective, project-based programme for experienced FESTIM users to develop advanced simulation expertise through direct collaboration with the FESTIM development team.
What the programme is#
The FESTIM Fellowship Programme is a focused, hands-on programme designed for users with prior experience who want to develop a deeper, practical understanding of the code and its capabilities.
Fellows work closely with the FESTIM development team, either remotely or in person at the MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center (PSFC). Each Fellow brings a focused project, which serves as the main vehicle for exploring FESTIM through a real application.
The programme is centred on learning how to use FESTIM effectively and confidently: structuring simulations, leveraging advanced features, understanding how the code operates, and troubleshooting complex cases. The goal is for Fellows to return to their organisation as advanced FESTIM users, capable of independently developing and supporting simulation work.
Who the programme is for#
The programme is intended for students, researche`rs, engineers, and scientists who:
Have prior hands-on experience using FESTIM (not complete beginners)
Are comfortable working in Python, including writing and modifying simulation scripts
FESTIM is built on top of FEniCSx, and Fellows should be prepared to engage with this layer when needed. Prior experience with FEniCSx is beneficial but not required.
We are looking for applicants who want to develop advanced capability in FESTIM and become key users within their organisation, whether in academia, research institutions, or industry.
How the programme works#
Each Fellow proposes a focused project, which forms the core of their fellowship work. This project provides a practical framework for exploring FESTIM in depth through a real application.
Rather than following a fixed curriculum, the programme is structured around guided, project-based learning. Fellows work closely with the FESTIM development team, with regular interaction that includes:
Technical discussions and working sessions
Guidance on simulation setup, structure, and troubleshooting
Exposure to advanced features and best practices
Opportunities to engage with related research at the PSFC
Fellows may participate remotely or in person. The typical duration is 10 weeks, although this is flexible and can be adapted depending on the project and availability.
What you gain#
A strong, working understanding of FESTIM and how to use it effectively in real applications
The ability to develop, structure, and manage complex simulation cases
Confidence in troubleshooting and extending FESTIM models
Direct collaboration with the FESTIM development team
Connections with researchers working on related topics
What is expected#
Fellows are expected to:
Dedicate at least 25% of their time to the programme
Actively engage with the FESTIM team and participate in discussions
Use their project as a basis for developing deeper FESTIM expertise
Present their work in a final seminar
By the end of the fellowship, Fellows should have achieved at least one of the following:
Significant progress on a complex application case, resulting in a robust and reproducible simulation setup
A contribution to the FESTIM codebase (feature, improvement, or fix)
A validation or verification case
Integration of FESTIM into a broader modelling framework
Funding#
Fellows are supported by their home organisation or employer. The programme does not provide a stipend.
On-site participation at the MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center (PSFC) is available for all Fellows.
For participants from academia, limited support for travel and on-site participation may be available.
Key Dates#
The programme is organised in cohorts throughout the year:
Summer cohort:#
1st April - Applications open
30th April - Application deadline
18th May - Decisions released
15th June* - Programme starts
14th August* - Programme ends
Fall cohort:#
April - Applications open
August - Application deadline
August - Decisions released
October* - Programme starts
December* - Programme ends
*Programme dates are flexible
Apply#
Interested in the FESTIM Fellowship Programme?
Apply now using the form below:
FAQ’s#
How much interaction will I have with the FESTIM team?
All Fellows are welcome to join the weekly MIT-FESTIM meeting and will have at least one hour of dedicated time with the lead developers each week.
Fellows participating on site have access to dedicated office space near the development team and are encouraged to interact on a daily basis.
Can I participate alongside a full-time role?
Yes, provided you can dedicate at least 25% of your time to the programme.
Where does the fellowship take place?
Fellows may participate remotely or on site at the MIT Plasma Science and Fusion Center (PSFC).
How long does the programme last?
The suggested duration is 10 weeks. However, this time can be very flexible and can be adapted depending on the project and availability.
Are there any costs involved?
There are no programme fees.
For Fellows participating on site, the main costs are travel to and from MIT and accommodation. These are typically supported by the Fellow’s home organisation or employer.
For participants from academia, limited funding may be available to support some of these costs. Applicants are encouraged to contact us for further information.
Remote participation does not involve any direct costs. Remote Fellows may also have the option to visit MIT during the programme, subject to the same funding arrangements.
What makes a strong application?
A clear, well-defined project, prior hands-on experience with FESTIM, and a strong motivation to develop advanced capability.
Can this lead to collaboration or publications?
In some cases, fellowship projects may contribute to ongoing research and lead to collaboration or publication, depending on the project.
Still have questions?
If you have further questions about the programme, or would like to discuss whether your project is a good fit before applying, please contact:
James Dark: darkj385@mit.edu
Rémi Delaporte-Mathurin: remidm@mit.edu