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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.
Advanced Reactor Safety (ARS) SPeaker
Ana has been working in nuclear safety for 39 years. From 1995 to 2000, she worked at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) where she was responsible for activities on probabilistic safety assessment, safety performance indicators and safety related maintenance for nuclear power plants.
Ana joined the UK Office for Nuclear Regulation in 2000 where she was Head of Advanced Nuclear Technologies (2016 – 2020) and Head of HPR1000 Regulation (2016 – 2022). She led the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) of the UK HPR1000 reactor, a large project that concluded in January 2022 with the issuing of a Design Acceptance Confirmation for the UK HPR1000.
In May 2022 Ana joined IAEA as Head of the Safety Assessment Section (SAS). SAS is one of the five sections within the Division of Nuclear Installation Safety (NSNI) in the IAEA Department of Nuclear Safety and Security. As Head of SAS Ana leads a team of 20 staff to deliver the needs of the IAEA Member States in the areas of ‘design safety’ and ‘safety assessment methods and tools’ covering existing, evolutionary and innovative reactors, including small modular reactors, non-water-cooled reactors, transportable nuclear power plants, and fusion facilities.
Last modified March 20, 2024, 10:18am PDT
