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Division Spotlight
Mathematics & Computation
Division members promote the advancement of mathematical and computational methods for solving problems arising in all disciplines encompassed by the Society. They place particular emphasis on numerical techniques for efficient computer applications to aid in the dissemination, integration, and proper use of computer codes, including preparation of computational benchmark and development of standards for computing practices, and to encourage the development on new computer codes and broaden their use.
Meeting 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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Take steps on SNF and HLW disposal
Matt Bowen
With a new administration and Congress, it is time once again to ponder what will happen—if anything—on U.S. spent nuclear fuel and high-level waste management policy over the next few years. One element of the forthcoming discussion seems clear: The executive and legislative branches are eager to talk about recycling commercial SNF. Whatever the merits of doing so, it does not obviate the need for one or more facilities for disposal of remaining long-lived radionuclides. For that reason, making progress on U.S. disposal capabilities remains urgent, lest the associated radionuclide inventories simply be left for future generations to deal with.
In March, Rick Perry, who was secretary of energy during President Trump’s first administration, observed that during his tenure at the Department of Energy it became clear to him that any plan to move SNF “required some practical consent of the receiving state and local community.”1
Norman Hilberry was the 11th president of the American Nuclear Society and a charter member of the Society. He was also the first recipient of the Arthur Holly Compton Award in Education in 1967.
Norman Hilberry was born on March 11, 1899. He began his career as an Assistant in Physics at the University of Chicago in 1922, after getting his bachelor’s degree. In 1925, he moved to New York University, where he was first an Instructor in Physics at Washington Square College and then moved on to the College of Arts and Sciences.
In 1942, he joined the Manhattan Project, and a year later, became Assistant Director.
Following the war, in 1946, he moved to Argonne National Laboratory, starting as Assistant Director, and then moving on to Deputy Director. Between 1955 and 1956, he also served as the Director for Argonne’s International School for Nuclear Science and Engineering. From 1957 to 1961, he served as Director, and in 1961, became a Senior Scientist.
In 1964, he left Argonne to become a Professor of Nuclear Engineering at the University of Arizona, serving in that position until 1985, when he became Professor Emeritus until his death a year later.
During his career, he also held a number of directorships and advisory committee positions, including: Member, Board of Directors, Atomic Industry Forum (1961-1968); Member, Advisory Committee on U.S. Policy Toward the International Atomic Energy Agency, U.S. Department of State (1962); Member, Advisory Committee, U.S. Office of Emergency Preparedness, National Academy of Sciences (1968-1973); Member, Arizona Atomic Energy Commission (1969-1980); and Consultant, Subcommittee on the Public Understanding of Science, National Science Foundation (1977-1981).
He held a bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College (1921) and a PhD in physics from the University of Chicago (1941).
Norman Hilberry passed away on March 28, 1986.
