Superconductivity: enabling fusion energy, electric aviation and space travel

Professor Nick Long, Paihau-Robinson Institute, Victoria University of Wellington.

Nick will introduce us to the key projects of Wellington’s Paihau-Robinson Research Institute, including transformers, MRI systems and high-speed motors for electric aircraft. The institute has been part of Victoria University since 2014 and has a strong international reputation for superconductivity research and the discovery of high temperature superconductors. A recent focus has been development of superconductor systems for space applications. Nick will talk about some of the possible uses for superconductors in space and the collaborations the Institute is developing to advance these applications.

Nick obtained his Master’s degree in physics at Victoria University of Wellington and completed a PhD in physics at the University of Southern California. He is Director of the Paihau-Robinson Research Institute. His primary research is in high temperature superconductivity and his current interests include the application of high temperature superconductivity to space technology.