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
Accelerator Applications
The division was organized to promote the advancement of knowledge of the use of particle accelerator technologies for nuclear and other applications. It focuses on production of neutrons and other particles, utilization of these particles for scientific or industrial purposes, such as the production or destruction of radionuclides significant to energy, medicine, defense or other endeavors, as well as imaging and diagnostics.
Meeting Spotlight
ANS Student Conference 2025
April 3–5, 2025
Albuquerque, NM|The University of New Mexico
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
Mar 2025
Jan 2025
Latest Journal Issues
Nuclear Science and Engineering
April 2025
Nuclear Technology
Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
Ensuring Safety and Cleanliness: The Crucial Role of Industrial Vacuums in Nuclear Power Facilities
The primary culprits behind contamination in a nuclear facility are fission products resulting from nuclear reactions and activated corrosion products like rust and metal. While these radioactive materials remain within the reactor system, the risk of contamination is minimal. However, the reality of a complex network of pipes and valves introduces vulnerabilities, leading to potential leaks and spills. The necessity for periodic system openings, required for sampling and maintenance, further heightens the risk of contamination. Once outside the system, radioactive materials can disperse, jeopardizing other plant components, areas, and even personnel.
The American Nuclear Society (ANS) invites its members to apply for a one-year Washington, D.C.–based Congressional Fellowship. The ANS Congressional Fellow appointment helps the Society fulfill its strategic goal of enhancing nuclear public policy.
As an ANS Congressional Fellow, you will have the opportunity to work in either a U.S. Senator's or Representative's personal office or with a Senate or a House Committee, and become a direct contributor to the federal policymaking process. Along with providing Congress with expertise in nuclear science and technology, the Fellow will support other issues of importance. In return, the Fellow will gain a better understanding of how the legislative process works. Often the year as a "Beltway Insider" results in a new career direction.
As an ANS Congressional Fellow, you will be one of nearly 30 scientists and engineers participating annually through the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Congressional Science and Engineering Fellowship Program. More than 2,000 have served as Fellows on Capitol Hill since the inception of the AAAS program in 1973. ANS initiated its program in 2000. The ANS Congressional Fellowship term runs from January through December each year. In 2023, ANS expanded its program and now hosts two Congressional Fellows.
ANS encourages interested members to apply. Experience the inner workings of Congress and contribute to improving understanding about nuclear issues among congressional leaders through this once in a lifetime opportunity.
"I am very grateful to the American Nuclear Society for this immense opportunity. It has been an amazing journey and a life changing experience to be advising Senator Feinstein on nuclear issues, as part of the energy, transportation, and climate change portfolios. The ANS Congressional Fellowship provides great opportunities for a nuclear professional to participate in federal policymaking and experience firsthand the intersections between federal and state policy, theoretical science, and engineered technology. The ability to understand the role policy plays in the nuclear industry is essential for future leaders."
Harsh Desai2014 Congressional FellowServed in the office of Senator Dianne Feinstein in Washington, D.C.
The Fellowship program compensates the Fellow with an $95,000 annual stipend, payable in monthly installments over 12 months, plus up to $10,000 in travel reimbursement for expenses related to attending the AAAS orientation in September prior to the official start date, and the two ANS National Meetings in June and November of the Fellowship year. Any expenses above these are the responsibility of the Fellow. ANS also agrees to pay up to $5,000 towards out-of-pocket health insurance premiums not covered by AAAS or other programs during the year long Fellowship.
Must fulfill one of the following at minimum before Fellowship start date of January 1:
To apply for the ANS Congressional Fellowship you must submit the following information in a Word, PDF or other compatible format to fellow@ans.org before the stated deadline:
"It was a great and unique opportunity for me. The legislation I was working on (in the office of U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) - the Energy Policy Act of 2005 - was passed into law."
Eric P. Loewen, Ph.D. (left), ANS Past President, 2005 ANS Congressional Fellow with U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel [R-NE]
After an application review, the selection committee invites finalist candidates for virtual and/or in-person interviews either during or before the ANS Annual Meeting in June.
For additional information, please contact: fellow@ans.org.
Last modified October 31, 2024, 12:53pm CDT