Michel Claessens is a scientist and essayist. He was head of
communication and external relations of the ITER project from 2011
to 2016. His background is physical chemistry (PhD) and science
journalism. He joined the European Commission in 1994 where
has been acting Head of the Communication Unit in the
Research Directorate-General, spokesperson for research,
editor-in-chief of the "research*eu" magazine and in charge of the
science and technology Eurobarometers until 2010. He is now in
charge of ITER policy and communication in European Commission's
Directorate-General for Energy.
Michel is also teaching at the Free University of Brussels and has
published a dozen of books and essays, including:
“[The author] unfolds a fascinating story which crisscrosses more
than 40 years of the history of nuclear fusion in a simple, but not
simplistic, way which is accessible to anyone with a will to stick
to facts without prejudices. The full range of opinions on ITER’s
controversial benefits and detriments are exposed and discussed in
a fair way, and the author never hides his personal connection to
the project as its head of communications for many years.” (Lucio
Rossi, Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, thebulletin.org, July 30,
2020)“The strongest trait of this book is that it can be helpful
and attractive for a wide range of audiences. … It can motivate
young scientists to devote their careers to the research of nuclear
fusion. It can teach the business partners to appreciate their
collaboration with the ITER project. It can also help people from
the fusion community learn how to talk about their work with
non-specialists. … the book is truly unique, and I really recommend
it for reading.” (Michael Komm, Fusion Science and Technology, July
9, 2020) “ITER — is a unique exercise in
scientific diplomacy, and a politically driven project. It is also
the largest international collaboration, and a milestone in the
technological history of mankind. … I recommend Michel Claessens’
well written and easy-to-read book. It is passionate and
informative and explores different points of view without
fanaticism. Interestingly, his conclusion is not scientific or
political, but socio-philosophical in nature: ITER will be built
because it can be, he says, according to a principle of
‘technological necessity’.” (Lucio Rossi, CERN Courier,
cerncourier.com, March 23, 2020)
“It´s a thrilling, informative and important book. … I invite every
student in technology, environmental science, political science and
philosophy and of cause every politician to read the book and
reflect. … Read this important book!” (Steiner Management, February
18, 2020)“Claessens' new book, titled ‘ITER: The Giant Fusion
Reactor: Bringing a Sun to Earth,’ is a vivid account of humanity's
decadeslong quest to achieve a near unlimited source of carbon-free
energy by replicating the force that drives the solar system.”
(Nathanial Gronewold, E&E News, eenews.net, February 12,
2020)“Dr. Claessens is well positioned to write such a history,
having been associated with the ITER project since 2011 and being
in his present position since 2016. … In this 212 page book
Claessens treats more than just a history of the ITER project. …
this book is a bargain that no one interested in fusion and its
future energy potential should pass up.” (Stephen O. Dean, Fusion
Power Associates, December 11, 2019)
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