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Conference Spotlight
2026 ANS Annual Conference
May 31–June 3, 2026
Denver, CO|Sheraton Denver
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Feb 2026
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Nuclear Science and Engineering
March 2026
Nuclear Technology
February 2026
Fusion Science and Technology
January 2026
Latest News
Fusion energy: Progress, partnerships, and the path to deployment
Over the past decade, fusion energy has moved decisively from scientific aspiration toward a credible pathway to a new energy technology. Thanks to long-term federal support, we have significantly advanced our fundamental understanding of plasma physics—the behavior of the superheated gases at the heart of fusion devices. This knowledge will enable the creation and control of fusion fuel under conditions required for future power plants. Our progress is exemplified by breakthroughs at the National Ignition Facility and the Joint European Torus.
2026 ANS Annual Conference General Chair
Amy Roma is a Partner at the law firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe. She is a leading authority on nuclear energy, fusion, and advanced power regulations, advising on the regulatory and commercial strategies that determine whether next generation energy projects are financed, licensed, and built.
She represents leading and emerging nuclear market participants — including reactor developers, industrial energy users, utilities, investors, and government stakeholders — in high-stakes commercialization strategy and strategic engagement with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). Her work spans complex licensing proceedings, regulatory approvals, compliance matters, and investigations involving advanced reactors, small modular reactors (SMRs), microreactors, fusion systems, fuel cycle facilities, and space and defense nuclear applications.
Her practice is centered on the commercialization of first-of-a-kind energy technologies. She advises companies, investors, and strategic partners on designing innovative regulatory pathways and durable commercial structures that enable deployment — aligning licensing strategy, capital formation, investment structuring, offtake arrangements, and supply chain frameworks to bring advanced nuclear and fusion projects to market.
She also advises on strategic investments in new and existing nuclear projects, with particular focus on nuclear liability regimes, export controls, foreign ownership and control considerations, and the evolving global deployment landscape. Her work frequently sits at the intersection of nuclear energy with AI infrastructure, industrial decarbonization, space, and defense.
Recognized by the Financial Times as one of the Most Innovative Lawyers in Technology and among the top 10 Most Innovative Lawyers in North America, Amy is a trusted voice in global energy innovation. She maintains deep working relationships across various government agencies and has testified multiple times before the U.S. Congress. Amy is frequently called upon to address issues of grid reliability, decarbonization, national security, and advanced energy deployment.
She also leads several high-profile humanitarian initiatives, including coordinating the use of the New England Patriots team aircraft to secure and transport two million masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Last modified February 19, 2026, 1:41pm MST