We begin this year at a moment of tremendous opportunity for nuclear science and technology. Around the world, there is growing recognition that nuclear energy and nuclear technologies are essential to addressing some of society’s most pressing challenges. At the same time, advances in areas ranging from medical isotopes and fusion to space nuclear systems and advanced reactors are creating new possibilities for innovation and impact.
Yet opportunity alone does not guarantee success. The future we envision will require more than technological breakthroughs. It will require a skilled workforce, effective standards, strong institutions, public confidence, and sustained collaboration across disciplines and sectors. In short, it will require a systems approach that connects science, engineering, regulation, operations, policy, and public engagement.
As ANS president, I intend to focus on several areas where our Society can make a meaningful difference.
First, we must continue strengthening ANS as the professional home and “town square” for the nuclear community. Our greatest strength is our ability to bring together experts from across industry, government, academia, national laboratories, and emerging technology sectors to exchange ideas and solve complex problems.
Second, workforce development must remain a central priority. That work spans the full pipeline, from elementary school outreach to advanced certificate pathways for experienced professionals. I am confident that Rebecca Steinman, the current vice president/president-elect and a key leader of ANS’s certification and workforce development efforts, will further strengthen this vital mission.
Third, we must continue advancing the standards that underpin safety, licensing, and public confidence. As new technologies move from concept to deployment, ANS can help ensure that innovation is supported by rigorous technical foundations and decades of accumulated knowledge.
Finally, we must continue to engage with the public and our policy leaders. Trust is earned through transparency, performance, and honest engagement. As the trusted technical voice of the nuclear profession, ANS has a responsibility to help inform conversations about both the opportunities and responsibilities that come with nuclear technology.
The year ahead will bring challenges, but it also holds extraordinary promise. I look forward to working alongside all of you as we help ensure that ANS continues to provide the leadership, expertise, and vision needed to meet this moment.
