SFU recruits world-leading researcher to accelerate advanced computing-driven breakthroughs in fusion energy

Institutional announcements

SFU recruits world-leading researcher to accelerate advanced computing-driven breakthroughs in fusion energy

by Leslie Dickson

Simon Fraser University (SFU) is strengthening its leadership in artificial intelligence and climate innovation with the recruitment of internationally renowned applied mathematician Yingda Cheng.

As the new Eddie Goldenberg Research Chair of Canada in Advanced Digital Technologies for Fusion Energy, Cheng will develop novel scientific computing tools to help unlock one of the world's most promising sources of clean energy.

Cheng, who will join SFU from Virginia Tech in January 2027, develops AI-enhanced scientific computing tools grounded in physical laws. Her research improves the speed and accuracy of complex simulations, helping scientists tackle questions that would be too costly or impractical to explore through physical experiments alone.

Her appointment is part of the inaugural round of appointments to the Eddie Goldenberg Research Chairs of Canada program announced on August 27, a part of the Canada Global Impact+ Research Talent Initiative.

The opportunity to advance this research alongside SFU's internationally recognized applied mathematics researchers was a major draw for Cheng.

"What attracts me to SFU is the talented colleagues in the math department," says Cheng. "There are leading researchers in applied mathematics whose expertise intersects with many aspects of my work."

Funding from the Eddie Goldenberg Research Chairs Program will establish the Centre for Advanced Digital Technologies for Fusion Energy at SFU, strengthening the university's leadership in AI, advanced computing and climate innovation. The centre will bring together researchers, students and industry partners to advance fusion energy research while training highly qualified talent in scientific machine learning, plasma physics and advanced computational methods.

"I think there should be a natural feedback loop," says Cheng. "We want to develop good methods, but we also want to talk to practitioners about what's most important. Making these connections can drive new scientific development."

The program will also support the creation of the Centre of Excellence for Women in Computational Science and expand opportunities for students and early-career researchers through collaborations spanning clean energy, advanced computing and quantum technologies.