The 4th International Symposium on Proton-Boron Fusion Sciences and Applications (ISPBF 2026) was held from July 21 to 24 in Langfang, Hebei, bringing together more than 100 experts and scholars from over 50 research institutions across 11 countries. More than 20,000 researchers and viewers worldwide also watched the symposium via livestream.

Under the theme “Proton-Boron Fusion – A Shared Dream & Ecosystem,” the symposium featured more than 40 presentations, over 30 posters, and an open forum. Discussions covered a broad range of topics, including proton-boron reaction physics, proton-boron plasma physics and diagnostics, fusion technologies and materials, innovation, and applications.

The symposium provided a platform for in-depth discussion and the exchange of the latest research findings and ideas. It brought together diverse approaches and disciplines, fostering dialogue across magnetic and inertial confinement fusion, nuclear and plasma physics, as well as academia, industry, and research institutions.

Researchers from ENN Fusion presented the latest progress in several areas, including innovations in spherical torus proton-boron fusion, theoretical and experimental studies of proton-boron fusion, experimental results from EXL-50U, and advances in plasma diagnostics.

A Best Poster Award was introduced this year to recognize outstanding early-career researchers. Following a comprehensive review by the symposium’s Scientific Program Committee, five young researchers were selected for the award.

During the symposium, participating experts and scholars also visited the EXL-50U fusion facility, gaining first-hand insights into the facility and its latest experimental progress.

First launched in 2023, ISPBF has grown rapidly over four consecutive editions into an international platform for academic exchange and collaboration in proton-boron fusion. The symposium has continued to expand in both scale and international participation, while giving rise to related initiatives such as the Proton-Boron Fusion Research Fund.

The symposium also previewed the upcoming guidelines for the Fund’s international program, marking another step toward bringing together global expertise and resources to advance proton-boron fusion research and build a more open and collaborative fusion R&D ecosystem.