nT‑Tao Welcomes Renowned Plasma Physicist Stewart C. Prager to Scientific Advisory Board

Former Director of the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) to support nT‑Tao’s scientific team in interpreting fusion research data

We're happy to announce the appointment of Professor Stewart C. Prager to our Scientific Advisory Board.

In this role, Prager will work closely with our physicists to assist in analyzing simulations and experimental data, and in interpreting results arising from their ongoing plasma and fusion research.

Professor Stewart C. Prager / PR

Prager brings decades of experience in plasma physics and magnetic confinement fusion to the table. A veteran academic and research leader, he served as Director of the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) and is a Professor Emeritus at Princeton University. Throughout his career, Prager has led pioneering plasma experiments, including the Madison Symmetric Torus, and has been instrumental in advancing the science of fusion and plasma physics. He was also a co-discoverer of the bootstrap current, a critical self-generated plasma current that is now foundational in advanced fusion research.

As director of the Madison Symmetric Torus experiment, he led efforts that deepened understanding of magnetic self-organization and turbulence, generating insights adopted by laboratories around the world.

Our CEO and CO-Founder, Oded Gour‑Lavie said “We are thrilled to welcome Stewart to the Scientific Advisory Board. His deep expertise in plasma confinement, diagnostic interpretation, and translating experimental data into actionable insight will be invaluable as we push forward in achieving our next milestones. His perspective will help us strengthen the scientific foundation that drives our innovation. Beyond his technical knowledge, Stewart’s mentorship and collaborative approach will be a tremendous asset to our physics team as they continue advancing our research capabilities.”

Prager was awarded the APS John Dawson Award for Excellence in Plasma Physics in 2008. A long-standing leader in U.S. fusion policy, Prager has chaired both the U.S. Department of Energy’s Fusion Energy Sciences Advisory Committee and the American Physical Society’s Division of Plasma Physics. 

“I’m pleased to support nT‑Tao’s physics team as they advance their research program,” said Prager. “Fusion research is inherently challenging, but it’s also filled with opportunity.”

In his advisory capacity, Prager will collaborate with fellow board members and nT‑Tao’s internal technical teams to review simulation methodologies, experimental protocols, and high-density plasma diagnostic data, and to guide data-driven strategies for the company’s dynamic stellarator design.

Wellcome aboard!