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Conference Spotlight
2026 ANS Annual Conference
May 31–June 3, 2026
Denver, CO|Sheraton Denver
Latest Magazine Issues
Apr 2026
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Nuclear Science and Engineering
May 2026
Nuclear Technology
March 2026
Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
Beyond the grid
Craig Piercycpiercy@ans.org
In this month’s issue of Nuclear News, readers will find coverage of the “other” areas where nuclear technology is pushing into new frontiers. From marine nuclear propulsion to nuclear systems that enable planetary exploration, the articles in these pages are a reminder that the influence of applied nuclear science extends far beyond the electric grid.
When many people hear the phrase “civil nuclear technology,” they still think first of power plants—an understandable association. Nuclear power has been one of the most reliable sources of large-scale electricity for decades. It is our storefront.
But nuclear technology has always been bigger than electrons.
Plenary Session
Saturday, April 6, 2024|8:00–9:50AM EDT|Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub Room 603
Session Chair:
Martin Nieto-Perez (Penn State University)
Speakers
Dr. Martin Nieto-PerezAssociate Teaching ProfessorKen and Mary Alice Department of Nuclear Engineering
Dr. Arturo DominguezHead of Science EducationPrinceton Plasma Physics Laboratory
Dr. Lane CarasikAssistant ProfessorDepartment of Mechanical and Nuclear EngineeringVirginia Commonwealth University
Dr. Lauren Garrison Senior Materials Scientist Commonwealth Fusion Systems
Over the past decade, there has been growing interest in fusion energy research from private companies in a push to commercialize the technology. These private companies are increasingly supplementing university and national laboratory research to help realize fusion's potential as a clean and abundant energy source in the future. It can be argued that this is one of the most exciting times to be involved in fusion energy research as a result! Please join our plenary panelists as they provide an overview of the contributions that private companies, government labs, and academic institutions are making toward fusion energy research. They will also discuss as areas of collaboration between private companies, governments, and academia, all in the pursuit of the state of fusion!
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Attachment — State of Fusion Plenary Information & Bios
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