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.
Explore membership for yourself or for your organization.
Conference Spotlight
2026 Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
Latest Magazine Issues
Jun 2026
Jan 2026
2026
Latest Journal Issues
Nuclear Science and Engineering
August 2026
Nuclear Technology
July 2026
Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
DOME: Legacy built, future ready
In 2019, a familiar landmark at Idaho National Laboratory was scheduled for demolition. Though striking for both its physical presence and its significance to nuclear history, the containment dome that once housed Experimental Breeder Reactor-II sat unused—that is, until INL realized its potential as a reactor testing facility.
Technical Session|Panel|Safeguards, Security, and Nonproliferation
Thursday, August 20, 2026|1:00–2:45PM CDT|Grand Ballroom A
Session Chair:
Alan Evans
Advanced reactor technologies offer transformative potential for clean, reliable energy both within the United States and abroad. However, deploying these systems in diverse geopolitical contexts demands a security-by-design approach that anticipates evolving threats, regulatory requirements, and operational complexities. Embedding security considerations early in the design and development process is essential to ensure resilience, protect critical infrastructure, and support timely licensing and deployment. This panel convenes US national laboratory staff supporting advanced reactor development, industry partners pioneering domestic designs, and program leads from the Department of Energy and the National Nuclear Security Administration. Panelists will share experiences and best practices for embedding security-by-design throughout the reactor lifecycle—from conceptual design and licensing to domestic deployment and sustained international operations. Through moderated discussion and audience Q&A, the session will address central questions: How do vendors balance security requirements with design constraints? Which frameworks and tools facilitate proactive threat assessment and mitigation across diverse deployment contexts? By attending this session, policymakers and industry stakeholders will: 1. Gain comprehensive insights into key considerations for transitioning advanced reactors from US domestic to international deployments 2. Acquire an understanding of tangible steps and tools for implementing security-by-design within design, licensing, and operational phases Participants will leave equipped with actionable strategies to strengthen nuclear security frameworks, accelerate regulatory approval, and foster resilient deployment of advanced reactors worldwide.
Sandia National Laboratories
Steven Reed