Google.org backs ANU fusion research with AI and GPU upgrade for SPEC

The Australian National University (ANU) announced on November 6, 2026 that it had received funding from Google.org to improve the fusion research software SPEC. The project aims to use AI and GPUs to make calculations of plasma in complex magnetic fields faster and easier to use.

The support comes through the Plasma Code Modernisation and AI-Assisted Fusion Simulation Awards. Professor Matthew Hole of ANU leads the research. The announcement does not disclose the funding amount.

SPEC is used in research on fusion devices such as stellarators. Designing these devices requires calculations of complex three-dimensional magnetic fields and plasma states. The team will rebuild the existing code to run efficiently on GPUs, which are suited to parallel computing.

AI will also assist the research workflow. Planned capabilities include translating research questions into simulation inputs, checking and running calculations, and explaining results. The aim is to reduce the effort needed to use advanced simulation software while retaining scientific oversight by researchers.

The collaboration includes ANU, Nanyang Technological University, the Swiss Plasma Centre at EPFL and other partners. All software developed through the project is to be released freely as open source so that researchers worldwide can use and improve it.

The funding supports the computational tools used to design and analyse fusion devices. The announcement gives no specific speedup factor or completion date. Implementation and evaluation of the upgraded code and AI assistance will be the next points to watch. FI’s explainer on AI and plasma research also examines the roles of AI and computing in fusion.