Student Builds Nuclear Fusion Reactor, Earns Top Marks

Mencarini built a nuclear fusion reactor that generates neutrons, making him one of the very few to achieve such a feat within a school environment.

His intricate project was not only a personal triumph but also a test of persuading his school that it wasn’t dangerous. Despite initial concerns from faculty members, thorough risk assessments were conducted, and the staff eventually lent their full support. “The reactor aims to produce the conditions necessary for fusion to take place,” said Mencarini, explaining the scientific basis during his appearance at the recent Cambridge Science Festival.

Mencarini’s creation is a working model of a nuclear fusion reactor, a technology that has the potential to provide a near-limitless energy supply by fusing atomic nuclei.

While current nuclear power stations use fission, which involves splitting atoms, fusion promises a more sustainable and less hazardous alternative.

However, it requires astronomical temperatures to get atoms to fuse, a fundamental challenge limiting its current practical application.

The young scientist’s work has gained significant praise from academia. Dr. Julian Davies, the Principal of Cardiff Sixth Form College, described Mencarini as “outstanding,” adding, “This is an extremely exciting project and has taken one and a half years in the making. Cesare will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the energy industry in the future.”

Data from the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) indicates that more than a quarter (27.8%) of UK entries at A-Level were awarded an A or A grade this year. This is an increase from last year’s 27.2% and higher than the pre-pandemic figure of 25.4% in 2019. However, the overall pass rate, the proportion of entries graded A to E, has slightly fallen to 97.2%, down from 97.3% last year and 97.6% in 2019.

Cesare’s future plans are just as ambitious as his present accomplishments. Before applying for a degree in engineering, he intends to work at the Interface and Analysis Centre at the University of Bristol. Highlighting his desire to inspire others, he said, “My aim is to encourage other young people to develop ideas and think about how we can improve our world and be innovative.”

The achievement of Mencarini coincides with broader discussions in education around inequalities and challenges. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson was seen visiting Loreto Sixth Form College, emphasizing the ongoing need to address disparities in educational outcomes.

Despite challenges including disruptions from reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) issues in schools, the widening attainment gap, and the broader impacts of the ongoing cost of living crisis, there have been notable successes. Universities have accepted record numbers of applicants from disadvantaged backgrounds, with UCAS figures showing a rise in the number of accepted applicants to 425,680.

As students like Cesare Mencarini emerge as promising future leaders in fields like nuclear energy, the juxtaposition of their successes against ongoing systemic challenges continues to shape the educational landscape.