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 ANS Annual Conference
May 31–June 3, 2026
Denver, CO|Sheraton Denver
Latest Magazine Issues
Feb 2026
Jul 2025
Latest Journal Issues
Nuclear Science and Engineering
March 2026
Nuclear Technology
February 2026
Fusion Science and Technology
January 2026
Latest News
Nuclear power plant proximity study sparks controversy
A study published in Nature Communications found a correlation between proximity to nuclear power plants and rates of cancer mortality.
The paper, “National Analysis of Cancer Mortality and Proximity to Nuclear Power Plants in the United States,” said that the study could not establish causation but also said that the researchers’ calculations support evidence of 115,586 “cancer deaths attributable to nuclear power plants proximity.”
Amir Bahadori, nuclear engineering program director at Kansas State University, cautioned that this study should not be read as proof that nuclear power plants cause cancer deaths.
2020 ANS Virtual Winter Meeting Plenary Session Speaker
Jon Ball is the Executive Vice President of Nuclear Products for GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GEH), headquartered in Wilmington, NC. In this role, Jon has responsibility for a portfolio of small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactors, nuclear fuels, instrumentation and controls, digital solutions and a broad range of engineered solutions and products.
Jon has been in the nuclear industry for 27 years and has a wide range of experience in P&L leadership, manufacturing, global operations, services and quality. Previously, he served as Executive Vice President, New Plant Projects where he positioned GEH with new SMR and advanced reactor innovations. Prior to that role, Jon served as Senior Vice President, Global Supply Chain, leading more than 1,000 employees in manufacturing and logistics for GEH’s worldwide operations. He has also spent several years in Services where he led GEH’s Field Services and Performance Services businesses and held several positions in GE’s nuclear fuels business, including Global Supply Chain Leader, Quality Manager and Lab Manager. Prior to joining GE, Jon was a Senior Chemist for Westinghouse at their Hanford operations.
Jon received a B.S. in Chemistry from Pacific Lutheran University and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from The Pennsylvania State University. He is a certified six sigma Master Black Belt and has also completed the MIT Reactor Technology Course for Utility Executives.
Last modified October 19, 2020, 10:23am EDT
