Image credit: United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority and EUROfusion.
It is with sadness that we share the news that Paul-Henri Rebut, one of the defining figures in European fusion research and a former leader of JET, passed away on 3 November 2026 at the age of 91.
A French plasma physicist, Paul-Henri devoted more than six decades to advancing fusion. After joining the French Atomic Energy Commission in 1958, he was involved with the design, construction and operation of the French TFR tokamak at the Fontenay-aux-Roses research centre.
Paul-Henri became a central figure in the development of the Joint European Torus (JET) at Culham. He led the original JET design team in the 1970s, developing powerful engineering skills. He later served as Deputy Director, and was Director of JET from 1985 to 1992. Under Paul-Henri’s leadership, JET achieved a series of landmark scientific advances, including the first demonstration of significant fusion power from a magnetically confined plasma (the Preliminary Tritium Experiment) in 1991. He subsequently became the first Director of the ITER Design Activities programme, helping to shape what would become the focus of the world’s fusion research and development for many years. This included an unprecedented engineering feat now playing out at the site at Cadarache.
Paul-Henri’s vision, technical brilliance and determination helped establish the foundations on which today’s fusion programmes continue to build. JET’s success in the 1980s arose from the combination of exceptional scientific leadership and strong international collaboration, with Paul-Henri playing a pivotal role in defining the machine’s technical capability and direction. His ability and drive made him a demanding taskmaster, engaging in essentially every aspect of the engineering and the plasma physics. This included his legendary red pen amendments during his frequent visits to the Design Office. The team accepted this because they appreciated his vision and impact.
Those who worked with him remember a figure of immense intellect, conviction and energy. His influence is still clear across the global fusion community, from the achievements of JET to the continuing progress of ITER and beyond. As we pursue the goal of commercial fusion energy, we do so standing on foundations that Paul-Henri helped create. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and former colleagues at this time.