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.
ANS provides various free resources for outreach events and activities, as well as Nuclear Ambassador training. See below for handouts, presentations, brochures, online tools to share, and more!
When did you decide to pursue a career in nuclear science and technology? Maybe you always knew. Or you met a nuclear engineer. Or you fell in love with nuclear science in high school chemistry or physics.
From kindergarten through high school graduation and beyond, students are gaining knowledge and forming opinions that will influence the rest of their lives, and you can play a huge part in supporting their learning journey! Share your passion for all things nuclear with students using resources ANS developed specifically for use in classroom visits, informal learning settings like afterschool and summer programs, virtual and in-person STEM events, or anywhere you care to spread knowledge about the benefits of nuclear science and technology.
If you're interested in becoming a Nuclear Ambassador, click this link!
Make radiation real with a FREE ANS Visualizing Radiation Cloud Chamber Kit. Perfect for K-12 presentations and public outreach events.
Make the complex world of nuclear easier to understand with these presentations. Designed specifically for K-12 students, they provide background knowledge for nuclear science and technology lab activities, such as those in Navigating Nuclear lessons and project starters.
Nuclear energy is a safe, reliable source of clean energy. Introduce students to the facts about nuclear energy and bust some myths, too.
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Learn about sources of background and man-made radiation. Then use a radiation monitor to compare radioactive sources.
Radiation is all around us. Cloud chambers are an engaging way to visualize it. Use this presentation to accompany a cloud chamber lab activity.
Radiation Dose CalculatorOne of our most popular pages on the entire website! Users can calculate their estimated annual radiation dose.
Isotope Discovery AppA dynamic tool that allows users to explore isotopes through an interactive periodic table and nuclide graph.
Virtual Field TripsTour a nuclear power plant, a national lab, or travel into deep space!
Careers BrochureDescribes various nuclear-related career paths as well as education requirements and pay range.
Visualizing Radiation PosterExplains alpha, beta, and gamma decay, including how this appears in a cloud chamber.
