Recollections for the 50th anniversary of the plasma surface interactions (PSI) in controlled fusion devices conference

• The article summarizes special presentations at the 26th Plasma Surface Interactions to mark its 50th anniversary. • Major highlights from all the previous conferences are presented. • It provides an overview of the huge and decisive progress in the field. The Plasma Surface Interactions in Controlled Fusion Devices (PSI) conference reached an important milestone in 2024 with its 50th anniversary. It was celebrated at its venue in Marseille by a special round table discussion gathering 6 former chairmen of its Programme Committees, who gave some highlights presented at the conference during the five decades. The article provides a summary of this overview.