Li Xuechun performs debugging on a spectral diagnostic device in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, on April 28, 2026. Science Island, located on the outskirts of Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, is an epitome of innovation and the opening up of China's science and technology in pursuit of future clean energy, as well as solutions to climate change and health problems, through global cooperation. On the "island," a group of young and devoted scientists are taking up the baton and carrying forward decades of scientific endeavor.

Guo Jin joined the EAST team after earning his doctorate in 2023. The 30-year-old researcher is involved in the upgrade of EAST, often called an "artificial sun." EAST, or Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak, is China's flagship fusion device that has set multiple world records in nuclear fusion energy research. Guo said he simply could not wait any longer to participate in new experiments after the upgrade.

Li Xuechun, for her part, joined the SWORD (Superconducting Plasma Wall Interaction Linear Device) team in 2021. SWORD, also known as Chixiao (a legendary sword from ancient China), is a high-flux plasma generator used test plasma-facing materials. Li and her teammates are taking great pains to bring the device to its optimal condition. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

Li Xuechun (R) and her colleague check the operational status of Chixiao, a high-flux plasma generator, in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, on April 28, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

Guo Jin performs debugging on EAST, China's flagship fusion device, in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, on April 28, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

Guo Jin (R) and his colleague work on the upgrading of EAST, China's flagship fusion device, in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, on April 28, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

Li Xuechun performs debugging on Chixiao, a high-flux plasma generator, in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, on April 28, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

Guo Jin performs debugging on EAST, China's flagship fusion device, in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, on April 28, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

Guo Jin (L) and his colleague work on the upgrading of EAST, China's flagship fusion device, in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, on April 28, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

Li Xuechun performs debugging on a spectral diagnostic device in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, on April 28, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

Li Xuechun checks the operational status of Chixiao, a high-flux plasma generator, in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, on April 28, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

Guo Jin performs debugging on EAST, China's flagship fusion device, in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, on April 28, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)

Li Xuechun (L) and her colleague check the operational status of Chixiao, a high-flux plasma generator, in Hefei, east China's Anhui Province, on April 28, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhou Mu)