It is certain that nuclear energy is essential for the future of mankind, and while the use of nuclear fission has brilliantly solved some energy problems, controlled thermonuclear fusion, although unfortunately not yet available, has the potential to provide even more benefits. These include: a low risk in the event of an accident, the absence of radioactive ash, reduced management of radioactive fuel, and the harmlessness of the fuel. These reasons alone justify the considerable effort put into nuclear fusion research over the past two decades. Each of the various lines of reasoning and approach presents very different problems that need to be solved. A widely shared opinion is that in the near future, at least one of these approached will prove to be scientifically feasible, but the next step will be a matter of facing formidable technological problems before actually arriving at a prototype reactor. A fusion reactor will certainly be much more complex than a fission reactor, and it will be necessary to include in it all the experience gained, not only in nuclear engineering (neutronics, radiation damage, etc.) but also in the most advanced electrical technology (superconducting magnets, new energy conversion systems, etc.) in the technique of high temperatures, high heat fluxes, and high vacuum. It is the aim of the school to periodically convey the main expertise in the requested technologies, to discuss the necessary developments, mutual interactions, and those with plasma, so as to avoid dealing only with machine-independent technology. The school will try to recreate a university atmosphere. It cannot be updated in a short time and must avoid the initiatory atmosphere of nuclear research centres. In this way, the school hopes to contribute to a better capitalization of the technologies and technologists available for controlled thermonuclear research; the school can also help avoid those less reliable technological solutions that may arise during the current period of research on reactor feasibility. The role of fusion can be discussed outside the inevitable pressures that occur when large interests are involved or can be expected.