ANS is committed to advancing, fostering, and promoting the development and application of nuclear sciences and technologies to benefit society.
Explore the many uses for nuclear science and its impact on energy, the environment, healthcare, food, and more.
Division Spotlight
Human Factors, Instrumentation & Controls
Improving task performance, system reliability, system and personnel safety, efficiency, and effectiveness are the division's main objectives. Its major areas of interest include task design, procedures, training, instrument and control layout and placement, stress control, anthropometrics, psychological input, and motivation.
Meeting Spotlight
2024 ANS Annual Conference
June 16–19, 2024
Las Vegas, NV|Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
Standards Program
The Standards Committee is responsible for the development and maintenance of voluntary consensus standards that address the design, analysis, and operation of components, systems, and facilities related to the application of nuclear science and technology. Find out What’s New, check out the Standards Store, or Get Involved today!
Latest Magazine Issues
Apr 2024
Jan 2024
Latest Journal Issues
Nuclear Science and Engineering
June 2024
Nuclear Technology
May 2024
Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
Commercial nuclear innovation "new space" age
In early 2006, a start-up company launched a small rocket from a tiny island in the Pacific. It exploded, showering the island with debris. A year later, a second launch attempt sent a rocket to space but failed to make orbit, burning up in the atmosphere. Another year brought a third attempt—and a third failure. The following month, in September 2008, the company used the last of its funds to launch a fourth rocket. It reached orbit, making history as the first privately funded liquid-fueled rocket to do so.
ANS makes teaching nuclear science a little less intimidating and empowers educators to ensure student success. We produce webinars and workshops led by professionals, academics, and researchers on a range of nuclear-related topics, from nuclear energy and radiation to nuclear science across the curriculum. Virtually or in-person, ANS supports educators in inspiring students about nuclear science and technology.
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ANS offers in-person workshops and free webinars to allow educators to learn directly from nuclear experts in the field. Check out the recordings of our latest webinars below.
In the lab with nuclear scientists: Critical and Sub-critical Assemblies
Imagine a reactor that doesn't produce power. These "critical assemblies" are essential in conducting experiments using fissionable materials. Learn how they are used by scientists at Los Alamos, Lawrence Livermore, and Sandia national laboratories.
Build a Nucleus:K-12 Classroom InvestigationsLearn about Build a Nucleus, a new simulation from the University of Colorado Boulder’s PhET Interactive Simulations. The simulation's creator, Luisa Vargas Suarez of PhET, demonstrates Build a Nucleus’s capabilities and the classroom investigations and learning goals it supports.
Microreactors:Nuclear Power in a Small, Modular PackageMicroreactors are big news in clean energy technology. Learn what they are, how they work, and their benefits from Piyush Sabharwall, senior staff nuclear research scientist and technical lead for the DOE Office of Nuclear Energy's Microreactor R&D Program at Idaho National Laboratory.
Radioisotopes:Nuclear Applications Beyond EnergyJulie Ezold, Californium-252 Program Manager at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, TN, presents background on radioisotopes, how they are made, and their uses for applications beyond nuclear energy.
Decoding Radioactive Decay:Alpha, Beta, Gamma, and MoreWhether you're new to teaching radioactive decay or looking for a refresher, Dr. Mary Lou Dunzik-Gougar makes this complex topic easier to understand.
Integrating Energy Systems for a Greener FutureShannon Bragg-Sitton, Director of the Integrated Energy and Storage Systems Division at Idaho National Laboratory, presented Department of Energy research about optimizing energy sources through integrated systems
Measuring Radiation:K-12 Classroom InvestigationsAmber Johnson, director of the University of Maryland Radiation Facilities and Senior Reactor Operator, demonstrates inquiry-based activities for measuring radiation.
Visualizing Radiation: Making Radiation Real with Cloud ChambersANS Educator Trainer, Candace Davison, shows how to successfully set up and use cloud chambers.
What About the Waste?Managing the Nuclear Fuel Cycle
Mary Lou Dunzik-Gougar, a professor at Idaho State University and former ANS president, explains the nuclear fuel cycle.
Nuclear Energy: Fission, Fusion, and the Future
Learn the basics and the latest in nuclear energy from Eric Loewen, chief consulting engineer for GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy and ANS President 2011-2012.
Navigating Nuclear: Energizing Our World
Our Navigating Nuclear curriculum, developed in partnership with Discovery Education and the U. S. Department of Energy, provides the highest standard in nuclear science education. The standards-aligned grab-and-go resources make teaching and learning nuclear science engaging at all grade levels. Every resource includes a comprehensive educator guide to ensure educators can teach each topic with confidence.
Discover Navigating Nuclear
Nuclear Ambassadors
We can also bring our members into your classroom—virtually or in person—through our Nuclear Ambassadors. Contact us at askanything@ans.org to schedule a visit from a Nuclear Ambassador.
Last modified March 20, 2024, 4:15pm CDT