ANS is committed to advancing, fostering, and promoting the development and application of nuclear sciences and technologies to benefit society.
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Division Spotlight
Nuclear Criticality Safety
NCSD provides communication among nuclear criticality safety professionals through the development of standards, the evolution of training methods and materials, the presentation of technical data and procedures, and the creation of specialty publications. In these ways, the division furthers the exchange of technical information on nuclear criticality safety with the ultimate goal of promoting the safe handling of fissionable materials outside reactors.
Meeting Spotlight
2024 ANS Annual Conference
June 16–19, 2024
Las Vegas, NV|Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino
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
Apr 2024
Jan 2024
Latest Journal Issues
Nuclear Science and Engineering
June 2024
Nuclear Technology
May 2024
Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
Commercial nuclear innovation "new space" age
In early 2006, a start-up company launched a small rocket from a tiny island in the Pacific. It exploded, showering the island with debris. A year later, a second launch attempt sent a rocket to space but failed to make orbit, burning up in the atmosphere. Another year brought a third attempt—and a third failure. The following month, in September 2008, the company used the last of its funds to launch a fourth rocket. It reached orbit, making history as the first privately funded liquid-fueled rocket to do so.
The American Nuclear Society (ANS) invites its members to apply for this one-year Washington, D.C.–based Congressional Fellowship. The ANS Congressional Fellow appointment helps the Society to fulfill its strategic goal of enhancing nuclear public policy.
As an ANS Congressional Fellow, you will have the opportunity to work in either a U.S. Senator's or Representative's personal office or with a Senate or a House Committee, and become a direct contributor to the federal policymaking process. Along with providing Congress with expertise in nuclear science and technology, the Fellow will support other issues of importance. In return, the Fellow will gain a better understanding of how the legislative process works. Often the year as a "Beltway Insider" results in a new career direction.
As an ANS Congressional Fellow, you will be one of nearly 30 scientists and engineers participating annually through the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Congressional Science and Engineering Fellowship Program. More than 2,000 have served as Fellows on Capitol Hill since the inception of the AAAS program in 1973. ANS initiated its program in 2000. The ANS Congressional Fellowship term runs from January through December each year. In 2023, ANS expanded its program and now hosts two Congressional Fellows.
ANS encourages members to apply. Experience the inner workings of Congress and contribute to improving understanding about nuclear issues among congressional leaders through this once in a lifetime opportunity.
"I am very grateful to the American Nuclear Society for this immense opportunity. It has been an amazing journey and a life changing experience to be advising Senator Feinstein on nuclear issues, as part of the energy, transportation, and climate change portfolios. The ANS Congressional Fellowship provides great opportunities for a nuclear professional to participate in federal policymaking and experience firsthand the intersections between federal and state policy, theoretical science, and engineered technology. The ability to understand the role policy plays in the nuclear industry is essential for future leaders."
Harsh Desai2014 Congressional FellowServed in the office of Senator Dianne Feinstein in Washington, D.C.
The Fellowship program compensates the Fellow with an $80,000 annual stipend, payable in monthly installments over 12 months, plus up to $8,000 in travel reimbursement for expenses related to attending the AAAS orientation in September prior to the official start date, and the two ANS National Meetings in June and November of the Fellowship year. Any expenses above these are the responsibility of the Fellow. ANS also agrees to pay up to $1,000 towards out-of-pocket health insurance premiums not covered by AAAS or other programs during the year long Fellowship.
Must fulfill one of the following at minimum before Fellowship start date of January 1:
To apply for the ANS Congressional Fellowship you must submit the following information in a Word, PDF or other compatible format to fellow@ans.org before the stated deadline:
"It was a great and unique opportunity for me. The legislation I was working on (in the office of U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel (R-NE) - the Energy Policy Act of 2005 - was passed into law."
Eric P. Loewen, Ph.D. (left), ANS Past President, 2005 ANS Congressional Fellow with U.S. Senator Chuck Hagel [R-NE]
After an application review, the selection committee invites finalist candidates for virtual and/or in-person interviews either during or before the ANS Annual Meeting in June.
For additional information, please contact: fellow@ans.org.
Last modified January 3, 2024, 4:34pm CST