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
Decommissioning & Environmental Sciences
The mission of the Decommissioning and Environmental Sciences (DES) Division is to promote the development and use of those skills and technologies associated with the use of nuclear energy and the optimal management and stewardship of the environment, sustainable development, decommissioning, remediation, reutilization, and long-term surveillance and maintenance of nuclear-related installations, and sites. The target audience for this effort is the membership of the Division, the Society, and the public at large.
Meeting Spotlight
Conference on Nuclear Training and Education: A Biennial International Forum (CONTE 2025)
February 3–6, 2025
Amelia Island, FL|Omni Amelia Island Resort
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
Jan 2025
Jul 2024
Latest Journal Issues
Nuclear Science and Engineering
February 2025
Nuclear Technology
Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
A series of firsts delivers new Plant Vogtle units
Southern Nuclear was first when no one wanted to be.
The nuclear subsidiary of the century-old utility Southern Company, based in Atlanta, Ga., joined a pack of nuclear companies in the early 2000s—during what was then dubbed a “nuclear renaissance”—bullish on plans for new large nuclear facilities and adding thousands of new carbon-free megawatts to the grid.
In 2008, Southern Nuclear applied for a combined construction and operating license (COL), positioning the company to receive the first such license from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission in 2012. Also in 2008, Southern became the first U.S. company to sign an engineering, procurement, and construction contract for a Generation III+ reactor. Southern chose Westinghouse’s AP1000 pressurized water reactor, which was certified by the NRC in December 2011.
Fast forward a dozen years—which saw dozens of setbacks and hundreds of successes—and Southern Nuclear and its stakeholders celebrated the completion of Vogtle Units 3 and 4: the first new commercial nuclear power construction project completed in the U.S. in more than 30 years.
Nuclear science is the study of one of the smallest things we know—the atomic nucleus. But, even though it’s 100,000 times smaller than an atom, the tiny nucleus has a huge impact on our world. Nuclear science and technology bring us cancer treatments, power for space missions, new crop varieties, safer medical supplies, and some of the cleanest and greenest ways of generating electricity.
Come with us to explore the many uses for nuclear science and its impact on energy, the environment, healthcare, food, and more.
Nuclear Science 101
The study of nuclear science begins when the atom was first imagined more than 2,000 years ago. But the nucleus, the foundation of nuclear science and technology, wasn't discovered until 1909. Learn about nuclear nuclear science, its history and the processes behind technologies from the past, present and into the future.
Nuclear Energy
Nuclear binding energy holds the atoms that make up our universe together. This energy is released when atoms split apart, undergoing fission, and when smaller atoms combine together through fusion. Fission and fusion create abundant energy without releasing harmful pollutants--including carbon dioxide--into the atmosphere, making nuclear a clean, green solution for our energy future.
Navigating Nuclear: Energizing Our World
Engage students with curriculum for grades 3 through 12 backed by the expertise of leaders in nuclear science—the members of the American Nuclear Society and the Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy. Resources include STEM project starters, digital lesson plans, nuclear industry career profiles, and exciting Virtual Field Trips!
K-12 Programs
Our programs serves educators and students through a suite of resources, including classroom visits by nuclear science professionals and researchers, career exploration opportunities, teacher training and out-of-school programs for students.
K-12 Resources
Along with our Navigating Nuclear curriculum and activities, ANS has many other resources that help create engaging experiences in the classroom or out of school for students of all ages. Make sure to check out our Scouts Patch, 'Get to Know Nuclear'.
Browse our activities and other resources
Get to Know Nuclear
Last modified August 31, 2023, 9:31am CDT
