Diversity and Inclusion in ANS

The Diversity and Inclusion in ANS program was developed to promote and support the participation of underrepresented or marginalized groups within the Society. Such groups include, but are not limited to: women, persons of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, persons with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups.

The goals of the program are to:

1. Promote diversity and inclusion in nuclear science, technology, and engineering.
2. Attract diverse and underrepresented groups into nuclear or other STEM-related fields.

To help achieve these goals, under the guidance of the Diversity and Inclusion in ANS Committee, the Society hosts networking events, organizes diversity-related sessions at meetings, provides travel scholarships for meetings, bestows awards, and offers leadership opportunities.

Gender champions in nuclear policy

ANS Executive Director/CEO Craig Piercy has joined Gender Champions in Nuclear Policy (GCNP), making a commitment, along with over 50 other leaders in the GCNP network, to break down gender barriers in the field of nuclear policy. GCNP is uniting leaders of nuclear policy organizations who have committed to work toward gender equality within their spheres of influence. Learn more.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Educational Resources

Check out our curated list of educational resources on various Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) topics to learn more about the many facets of DEI.

Honors and Awards

Mary Jane Oestmann Professional Women’s Achievement Award
Recognizes the outstanding personal dedication and technical achievement by a woman for work she has performed in the fields of nuclear science, engineering, research, or education. Nominations are due August 1. Learn more.

E. Gail de Planque Medal
Recognizes exemplary accomplishments by a woman in the fields of nuclear science and engineering. This award is intended to recognize outstanding lifetime or singular achievements by women that have resulted in tangible benefits to the field of nuclear science and engineering. Nominations are due August 1. Learn more.

Grants

NEED Grants for Academic Programs (NGAP)
Grants up to $1,200 are awarded to educational institutions with nuclear programs funds for recruitment activities targeted toward women and other underrepresented groups. The recruitment activities must be toward enrollment in a nuclear-related area of interest (disciplines or topics) that is/are of special interest to at least one of the ANS Professional Divisions. Applications are due October 15. Learn more.

George A. Ferguson Motivational Grants
Grants up to $5,000 are awarded to kindergarten through high school educators who wish to expand their STEM curriculum by introducing nuclear science to their students. The grants are open to all K-12 educators, however, priority is given to educators that serve culturally and economically disadvantaged students in the United States or programs that are co-sponsored by ANS local and/or student sections. Applications are due May 1/ October 1. Learn More.

DIA Travel/Registration Grants
ANS is committed to encouraging underrepresented persons to enter and flourish in the field of nuclear science and technology. In fulfilling this commitment, the Diversity and Inclusion in ANS grant provides supplemental funding, including complimentary registration and reimbursement for travel, hotel, and meal expenses in attending the ANS Annual Meeting in June or the ANS Winter Meeting in November. Learn More.

Resources

Diversity Position Statement
Download the Diversity and Inclusion in the Nuclear Profession ANS position statement.

Statement on Diversity
Read the ANS Statement on Diversity.

Get involved

Email Daryl Rizzo, ANS Director of Development, to learn more about volunteer opportunities.