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
Aerospace Nuclear Science & Technology
Organized to promote the advancement of knowledge in the use of nuclear science and technologies in the aerospace application. Specialized nuclear-based technologies and applications are needed to advance the state-of-the-art in aerospace design, engineering and operations to explore planetary bodies in our solar system and beyond, plus enhance the safety of air travel, especially high speed air travel. Areas of interest will include but are not limited to the creation of nuclear-based power and propulsion systems, multifunctional materials to protect humans and electronic components from atmospheric, space, and nuclear power system radiation, human factor strategies for the safety and reliable operation of nuclear power and propulsion plants by non-specialized personnel and more.
Meeting Spotlight
2022 ANS Annual Meeting
June 12–16, 2022
Anaheim, CA|Anaheim Hilton
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
Dec 2021
Jul 2021
Latest Journal Issues
Nuclear Science and Engineering
December 2021
Nuclear Technology
Fusion Science and Technology
November 2021
Latest News
Maximizing decommissioning lessons learned
Larry W. Camper
The track record for the successful decommissioning of nuclear facilities, both nationally and internationally, is impressive. In the United States, we have decommissioned many nuclear facilities, including complex materials sites, uranium recovery sites, research and test reactors, and nuclear power plants. To date, according to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, 10 nuclear power plants have been completely decommissioned for unrestricted use, and another 26 power reactor sites are currently undergoing decommissioning through either SAFSTOR or DECON, following NRC regulatory requirements. In addition, the Nuclear Energy Institute identifies three nuclear power plants that were successfully decommissioned outside of NRC jurisdiction. While such a track record is impressive, the nuclear industry must be vigilant in focusing on lessons learned in order to continue to make gains in efficiency, cost savings, improved environmental stewardship, and enhanced stakeholder confidence. In reviewing the outcomes of decommissioning over many years, a number of key lessons learned have emerged.
View Recipients
Downloads: Download Nomination Form
Nomination Deadline
March 1
Presented at the
Annual Meeting
The Meritorious Performance in Operations Award recognizes outstanding performance by both licensed and unlicensed personnel in the operation of nuclear facilities. It can be awarded to an individual or group who worked as a team.
The outstanding performance may be activities of the following type:
Nominees need not be ANS members, but shall be individuals of good character who are, or who have been, active in nuclear operations.
The award consists of an engraved plaque to be presented to the recipient(s) at an OPD function at the ANS Annual Meeting.
This award was established in 1984 on the recommendation of the Operations and Power Division (previously known as the Reactor Operations Division) . A major objective is to encourage exemplary performance in nuclear operations and to recognize truly meritorious contributions irrespective of organizational affiliation.
Nominations of worthy candidates for the award are solicited by the chair of the OPD Honors and Awards Committee and can be submitted by any member of the Society. The award need not be given in periods when qualified candidates are not submitted. Multiple awards are allowed in a year when more than one exceptionally qualified candidate is submitted.
The award is intended for both licensed and unlicensed personnel who comprise an active part in the operation of a nuclear facility and who have performed in an exemplary manner.
Indications of such performance may be the following:
A panel constituted and chaired by the chair of the OPD Honors and Awards Committee makes the selection of the recipient. The national ANS Honors and Awards Committee is available for consultation and review as appropriate.
Nomination forms and supporting documents (in Word or Adobe Acrobat) should be emailed to honors@ans.org.
Hard copies can be mailed to:
Honors and AwardsAmerican Nuclear Society555 N. Kensington AvenueLa Grange Park, IL 60526-5535
View Award
