Lisa Marshall
president@ans.org

“As we enter the 21st century, the status of the U.S. nuclear energy industry is in flux, dependent on actions by industry, government, circumstance . . . and public opinion. Its renewal coincides with several initiatives taken by government and capitalized in particular ways by energy organizations, be they utilities, engineering firms, professional societies, educational institutions, national laboratories, trade organizations, and/or research and regulatory governmental branches . . . Nuclear fission has unleashed upon society benefits and cautionary tales that are currently being privately and publicly debated.”

These words, which I wrote almost a decade ago as part of my master’s thesis, are as true today as they were then. I have a long-standing relationship with the nuclear energy landscape. And so, as I reflect on my journey to and as your ANS president, there are some truths that have stood the test of time, serving as signposts that must remain in sight for the nuclear community:

The American Nuclear Society has opened applications for the Glenn T. Seaborg Congressional Science and Engineering Fellowship. Congressional Fellows can directly contribute to the federal policymaking process, working in either a U.S. senator’s or representative’s personal office or with a congressional committee. They will be responsible for supplying Congress with their expertise in nuclear science and technology, having a hand in the creation of new laws while gaining a deeper understanding of the legislative process.

ANS strongly encourages interested members to apply. Application instructions can be found here.

Nuclear science and technology is uniquely positioned to be a gateway for curiosity and exploration for students in grades K–12. Its study examines the literal fabric of reality, it has applications from the tiniest to the grandest of scales. It’s a constantly evolving industry with a bright future of discoveries and new technologies, and it’s an essential factor in our global effort to reduce carbon emissions and transition to cleaner energy sources. Frankly, learning about and doing things with atoms is pretty cool, from a kid’s perspective.

Newswire will present coverage of sessions throughout the American Nuclear Society’s 2020 Virtual Annual Meeting. Here are notes on some of the sessions covered on June 9, the second day of the meeting. If you missed the opening day's coverage from June 8, check out the opening day’s recap and roundtable discussion on hydrogen production.