White House Highlights Fusion in FY2028 Research & Development Priorities

On July 21, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released the Fiscal Year 2028 Research & Development Budget Priorities Memorandum, identifying fusion as one of the nation’s science and technology priority areas. 

The memorandum identifies demonstrating commercial fusion power in the United States by the mid-2030s, consistent with the Department of Energy’s Fusion Science & Technology Roadmap, as a national science and technology mission. It also highlights the importance of research in areas including plasma physics, materials science, engineering, advanced manufacturing, and artificial intelligence that support fusion energy development. 

In addition to fusion, the memorandum outlines priorities for strengthening the U.S. research and development enterprise through foundational research, public-private partnerships, advanced research infrastructure, regional innovation ecosystems, and workforce development. 

The memorandum provides guidance for federal agencies as they develop their Fiscal Year 2028 budget proposals and research priorities.

Read the memo and full report below.