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.
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Conference Spotlight
Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
September 8–11, 2025
Atlanta, GA|Atlanta Marriott Marquis
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
September 2025
Nuclear Technology
August 2025
Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
The RAIN scale: A good intention that falls short
Radiation protection specialists agree that clear communication of radiation risks remains a vexing challenge that cannot be solved solely by finding new ways to convey technical information.
Earlier this year, an article in Nuclear News described a new radiation risk communication tool, known as the Radiation Index, or, RAIN (“Let it RAIN: A new approach to radiation communication,” NN, Jan. 2025, p. 36). The authors of the article created the RAIN scale to improve radiation risk communication to the general public who are not well-versed in important aspects of radiation exposures, including radiation dose quantities, units, and values; associated health consequences; and the benefits derived from radiation exposures.
OVERVIEW
The American Nuclear Society (ANS) is the premier organization for those that embrace the nuclear sciences and technologies for their vital contributions to improving people’s lives and preserving the planet.
ANS membership is open to all and consists of individuals from all walks of life, including engineers, doctors, students, educators, scientists, soldiers, advocates, government employees, and others. Celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2024, ANS is committed to advancing, fostering, and promoting the development and application of nuclear sciences and technologies to benefit society. Learn more about the governance of the Society.
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To empower a strong, connected, and engaged professional community that cultivates nuclear science and technology for the benefit of humanity.
A world that unlocks the full potential of the atom to improve human lives and preserve our planet.
1. Excellence: We strive for excellence in all aspects of nuclear science, technology, and engineering, setting high standards for innovation, safety, and professionalism.
2. Transparency and Integrity: We uphold the highest ethical standards of honesty, independence, and accountability in all our communications, interactions, and endeavors.
3. Collaboration: We value collaboration and teamwork, fostering partnerships across disciplines, industries, and global borders to advance nuclear knowledge and address complex challenges.
4. Diversity and Inclusion: We embrace diversity and inclusion, recognizing the value of varied perspectives and backgrounds. We continuously seek to create a diverse and sustainable membership by actively reaching out to individuals and communities, inviting them to participate and contribute to the advancement of nuclear science and technology.
5. Education and Outreach: We are committed to education and outreach, promoting public understanding of nuclear science and technology while supporting the development of the next generation of nuclear professionals.
6. Safety and Security: We prioritize safety and security as fundamental principles, advocating for rigorous safety standards, responsible stewardship of nuclear materials, and effective safeguards to protect people and the environment.
7. Sustainability: We advocate for the responsible use of nuclear technology to meet global environmental and human development objectives while minimizing impact on communities.
The American Nuclear Society (ANS) is committed, in principle and in practice, to creating a diverse and welcoming environment for everyone interested in nuclear science and technology. Inclusion means creating an environment – both in ANS and in the profession – in which all members are valued equitably for their skills and abilities and respected equally for their unique perspectives and experiences. Diverse backgrounds foster unique contributions and capabilities, and so creation of an inclusive Society ultimately leads to a more creative, effective, and technically respected Society.
ANS believes that everyone deserves opportunities for learning, networking, leadership, training, recognition, volunteering in Society activities, and all the other benefits that involvement in the Society brings, regardless of age, color, creed, disability, ethnicity, gender identity and expression, marital status, military service status, national origin, parental status, physical appearance, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. The selection of a member to serve in ANS's volunteer leadership structure shall be based solely on the member's ability, interest, and commitment to serve. In particular, ANS encourages members at each level of the Society and in each Professional Division and Technical Group to make special efforts to recruit underrepresented minorities and women to ensure that they are adequately represented in the Society.
