HFUT was granted three million RMB by ITER China for its Program on Joining Techniques and Performance of Joints of SiC/ SiC Composites submitted by Professor Zhong Zhihong from School of Materials Science & Engineering, after its program on Tungsten Matrix Composites was funded in 2014.

ITER (International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor) is an international nuclear fusion research and engineering megaproject, with its influence only next to the International Space Station. Established by the Ministry of Science and Technology in 2007, ITER China is committed to promoting domestic nuclear fusion energy research and development, developing an independent innovative capacity in nuclear fusion energy, and laying a solid foundation on the independent design and development of nuclear fusion demonstration reactor in the future.