Argonne’s Innovations highlighted at 2025 American Nuclear Society Meeting

By: Argonne National Laboratory via Business Wire

June 12, 2025 at 10:56 AM EDT

As nations look to expand access to reliable and affordable electricity, experts from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory help lead the conversation about the future of nuclear power.

Continuing its leadership in nuclear innovation, Argonne will play a key role at the 2025 American Nuclear Society (ANS) Annual Conference, the society’s premier event and one of the largest gatherings of nuclear professionals in the country. More than 1,000 global nuclear experts will gather to discuss their community’s impact on the expansion of nuclear energy generation in the coming decades. Some of the brightest minds in the nuclear industry will convene to share knowledge, engage with academic, national laboratory, industry and government leaders and discuss the latest research and development efforts shaping the nuclear landscape.

The June meeting in Chicago will include hundreds of technical sessions, exhibits and educational events, all dedicated to advancing nuclear energy-related research and development.

Argonne’s Kirsten Laurin-Kovitz, associate laboratory director for Nuclear Technologies and National Security, will co-chair the ANS meeting and lead the plenary panel session titled, “Globalizing Nuclear: Building Capacity and Collaboration.” The session, scheduled for Monday, June 16, will gather experts from around the world to tackle a critical question: How can nuclear energy be expanded to meet the increasing global demand?

Speakers will focus on the need for bold, coordinated efforts among countries and industries to achieve global nuclear energy capacity goals. They will delve into how their organizations are helping to build nuclear capacity, with a strong focus on international collaboration. Topics include vendor competition, national strategies, current fission projects and the future of fusion.

“The future of energy is global,” said Laurin-Kovitz. “Argonne conducts R&D in partnership with national and international collaborators to ensure nuclear power is safe, secure and ready to meet real-world challenges.”

Argonne researchers will deliver dozens of technical talks showcasing innovations in microreactors, fast reactors, safety improvements, AI for reactor management and materials that extend reactor lifespans.

The conference will also include RadFest, a hands-on nuclear science event for local high school students at Argonne, and tours of Argonne’s advanced nuclear facilities.

Much of Argonne’s research is funded by DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy and the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA).