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Conference Spotlight
2026 ANS Annual Conference
May 31–June 3, 2026
Denver, CO|Sheraton Denver
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Nuclear Science and Engineering
March 2026
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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.
Technical Session|Panel
Tuesday, February 4, 2025|3:20–5:00PM EST|Cumberland A
Session Chair:
Drew Thomas (INL)
Session Organizer:
Alternate Chair:
Olivia Blackmon (ORAU)
Community colleges have played a critical role in training the nuclear energy workforce and supporting emerging educational needs both from a regional and national standpoint. In 2007, the U.S. nuclear industry established the Nuclear Uniform Curriculum Program to support standardization of curriculum supported by industry. The success of NUCP resulted in numerous programs and the reinvigoration of interest in nuclear energy training within the community college system. Since 2007, programs supporting NUCP have continued to decline as the nuclear workforce landscape has shifted in a variety of ways. This panel will explore the origins and history of the NUCP, lessons learned from experiences of the 2000's and 2010's, and discuss what it takes to create viable and long-term workforce pathways, challenges around creating those pathways, and emerging workforce needs for next-generation nuclear reactor development.
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Presentation Slides (Visible to Attendees) — ORAU
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