The Institute for Fusion Studies (IFS) is a national center for theoretical research in plasma physics and fusion energy science. Its primary mission is to contribute to the understanding of phenomena important to fusion and other plasma physics-related areas, by performing fundamental theoretical research of originality and rigor. Emphasis is placed on tackling scientific issues of long-range significance and exchanging theory developments with other academic fields.

The research being pursued at the IFS is diverse, including plasma turbulence, transport theory, kinetic theory, numerical simulations, plasma-boundary interaction, stability theory, and nonlinear plasma dynamics. Much of this work is interdisciplinary, involving such neighboring fields of research as fluid dynamics, geophysics, high energy density physics, nonlinear dynamics, statistical mechanics, accelerator physics, complexity theory, astrophysics, and space physics.

In addition to its research role, the IFS also serves as a center for information exchange about fusion plasma science, nationally and internationally, by arranging visits of scientists and students, joint collaborations, and conferences. It is the principal site for US-Japan fusion theory collaboration activities. The IFS also has a strong educational role, in teaching courses, writing textbooks, and training students and young scientists.

Presently, the IFS regular scientific staff consists of 17 Ph.D. scientists, 4 Postdoctoral Research Fellows, numerous graduate students, in addition to computational scientists and administrative personnel. The IFS actively supports numerous research collaborations with laboratories and universities in the US and other countries.