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.
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Conference Spotlight
2026 Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
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Nuclear Science and Engineering
September 2026
Nuclear Technology
August 2026
Fusion Science and Technology
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The human factor in licensing and operating the next generation of nuclear plants
As human factors specialists working at the intersection of human performance and nuclear operations, we are witnessing one of the nuclear sector’s most significant transitions in decades. The emergence of small modular reactors, microreactors, and other advanced designs is reshaping the industry’s landscape. Digital instrumentation and controls, passive safety systems, and increased automation are creating opportunities for greater safety margins and more flexible operation. These same features also fundamentally redefine what it means to “operate” a nuclear plant. Interactions among human roles, automation, and passive systems shape how people maintain awareness, exercise judgment, and intervene when necessary. These developments affect both operational realities and the regulatory foundations on which nuclear safety is built.
Student members are an important part of the American Nuclear Society. You are tomorrow's leaders and will shape the future of nuclear science and technology. Join ANS today to connect with others in the worldwide nuclear community, take advantage of opportunities to advance your education and career, and play an active role in advocating for the future of nuclear technology.
Join Now
We welcome students studying or interested in the field of nuclear science and technology. If you love nuclear, we have a place for you!
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Student Membership Printable Application
Connect.
Students are ANS’s fastest growing membership base and represent the future of the Society and the nuclear field. We have more than 60 active Student Sections with new sections added every year. Our student members organize and host an annual Student Conference attended by nearly 500 students. ANS is an association created by and for people like you.
Learn.
Take your education outside of the classroom by participating in our Mentor Match program; we’ll pair you with an experienced professional in your area of interest. Or travel to an ANS conference to make connections in person – students receive substantially discounted registration rates and can save even more by applying for financial support offered for national conferences.
We’re here to support your academic pursuits as well – apply for one of our need or academic merit scholarships or take advantage of full electronic access to all ANS publications, including our three highly-respected scientific journals. ANS also has an online library of on-demand webinars covering a variety of topics that you can use to dive deeper into your area of study or learn about something entirely new.
Change the world.
ANS members are rising to meet the unique challenges of our time. We ceaselessly advocate and educate to expand the clean, safe, and reliable energy source we know nuclear to be. In recent years, ANS has introduced nuclear science and energy curriculum into K-12 classrooms throughout the country, reaching 1.6 million students and counting. We’ve also created the ANS Rapid Response Taskforce to provide accurate and scientifically grounded information to the media. Finally, ANS works on behalf of its members to advocate for policies to advance nuclear science and technology at the national and state levels.
Join ANS and help us shape the future of nuclear today.
