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.
Division Spotlight
Nuclear Installations Safety
Devoted specifically to the safety of nuclear installations and the health and safety of the public, this division seeks a better understanding of the role of safety in the design, construction and operation of nuclear installation facilities. The division also promotes engineering and scientific technology advancement associated with the safety of such facilities.
Meeting Spotlight
2025 ANS Annual Conference
June 15–18, 2025
Chicago, IL|Chicago Marriott Downtown
Standards Program
The Standards Committee is responsible for the development and maintenance of voluntary consensus standards that address the design, analysis, and operation of components, systems, and facilities related to the application of nuclear science and technology. Find out What’s New, check out the Standards Store, or Get Involved today!
Latest Magazine Issues
May 2025
Jan 2025
Latest Journal Issues
Nuclear Science and Engineering
July 2025
Nuclear Technology
June 2025
Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
High-temperature plumbing and advanced reactors
The use of nuclear fission power and its role in impacting climate change is hotly debated. Fission advocates argue that short-term solutions would involve the rapid deployment of Gen III+ nuclear reactors, like Vogtle-3 and -4, while long-term climate change impact would rely on the creation and implementation of Gen IV reactors, “inherently safe” reactors that use passive laws of physics and chemistry rather than active controls such as valves and pumps to operate safely. While Gen IV reactors vary in many ways, one thing unites nearly all of them: the use of exotic, high-temperature coolants. These fluids, like molten salts and liquid metals, can enable reactor engineers to design much safer nuclear reactors—ultimately because the boiling point of each fluid is extremely high. Fluids that remain liquid over large temperature ranges can provide good heat transfer through many demanding conditions, all with minimal pressurization. Although the most apparent use for these fluids is advanced fission power, they have the potential to be applied to other power generation sources such as fusion, thermal storage, solar, or high-temperature process heat.1–3
Thursday, October 9, 2025|6:15AM–5:30PM CDT
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Cost: $90
Capacity: 20 (Please note that the tour is limited to individuals who took part in the conference’s technical sessions or expo hall; unfortunately, guests are not permitted to attend)
Explore the Frontlines of Science at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)—a cornerstone of American scientific innovation.
Your visit begins with check-in and a stop at the on-site cafeteria for lunch, followed by a chance to unwind and explore the grounds.
Then, dive into ORNL’s rich legacy and cutting-edge research with three immersive experiences:
Graphite Reactor Tour – Step inside the world's first continuously operating nuclear reactor and witness where the atomic age began.
Hot Cell Tour – Get an up-close look at the heavily shielded facilities where remote handling of radioactive materials drives advanced research and isotope production.
HFIR (High Flux Isotope Reactor) Tour – Discover one of the most powerful neutron sources in the U.S., supporting groundbreaking work in materials science, nuclear medicine, and energy.
Important Requirements:
U.S. Citizens only – Must bring a valid REAL ID driver’s license or passport (Visit the following site for more information > Real ID)
Registration deadline: August 13. No exceptions due to federal security requirements.
This is a rare opportunity to walk through the history and future of nuclear science—don’t miss it!
