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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!
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Nuclear Science and Engineering
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Nuclear Technology
April 2025
Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
Norway’s Halden reactor takes first step toward decommissioning
The government of Norway has granted the transfer of the Halden research reactor from the Institute for Energy Technology (IFE) to the state agency Norwegian Nuclear Decommissioning (NND). The 25-MWt Halden boiling water reactor operated from 1958 to 2018 and was used in the research of nuclear fuel, reactor internals, plant procedures and monitoring, and human factors.
Kuhika Gupta, Hank Jenkins-Smith, Joseph Ripberger, Carol Silva, Andrew Fox, Will Livingston
Fusion Science and Technology | Volume 81 | Number 1 | January 2025 | Pages 1-17
Research Article | doi.org/10.1080/15361055.2024.2328457
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Efforts to capitalize on recent advances in fusion energy hold promise for sustainable clean energy. Realization of this promise will require addressing both technical and social challenges. In this paper we focus on the latter, using survey data from a representative sample of the U.S. public to evaluate prospects for sustainable public support for fusion. We demonstrate that while fusion is broadly viewed in a generally positive light across age, gender, and partisan groups, most people concede that they have little knowledge about the technology. The array of images and emotions currently associated with fusion energy technologies tends to be positive, particularly in comparison with those evoked by traditional fission nuclear energy. Trust for regulators and operators of prospective fusion energy facilities is currently quite high and is strongly associated with support for fusion energy. Positive views of fusion also get a boost from technological optimism, but the persistent connection among some Americans to fears of nuclear technologies tends to reduce that support. Implications are that while fusion currently enjoys broad public support, developers and regulators need to exercise care to assure that accidents, overly optimistic claims, and poorly designed and executed regulations do not inflame perceived risks and distrust. As with nuclear fission, continuing investments in a regulatory process for fusion that is grounded in trust, robust technological designs, and a culture of responsible safety will be needed to sustain public support.