Magnetic Reconnection is a fundamental phenomenon in magnetic confinement fusion as well as in space plasmas. The fingerprint of reconnection is the formation of magnetic-island like structures, and the release and transport of energy on short time scales.

In the case of fusion devices like ITER, magnetic reconnection can degrade the confinement of the plasma and cause the onset of major disruptions, leading to a degradation of the machine. Magnetic islands can develop at all scales (from the ionic Larmor radius to several tens of centimeters) with different consequences for confinement. For instance, large islands can be responsible for strong heat deposition on the first wall of the machine, while micro-islands can affect electronic heat transport. Moreover, at all scales, the presence of multiple islands leading to magnetic chaos can modify the single-island scenario typically considered.

Analogously, in space plasmas, magnetic reconnection is recognized as an important phenomenon at different length scales ranging from planet to stars and beyond. For instance, magnetic reconnection occurs in solar and stellar flares, and allows solar wind penetration into the planet magnetosphere. On earth, in the presence of strong solar wind emission, geomagnetic storms can occur, affecting satellite communications.

The European Conference on Magnetic Reconnection in Plasmas is the first conference to bring together the entire community working on magnetic reconnection in order to promote an inter-disciplinary approach to the understanding of this phenomenon. On this occasion, leading experts from both the space and fusion communities will present their latest work. Substantial time is reserved for interdisciplinary discussions in order to exchange knowledge and establish new collaborations. Students working on these topics will be able to present their work in the form of a poster.