ANS Congressional Fellowship 2026: A Gateway to Nuclear Policy Leadership
The ANS Congressional Fellowship 2026, sponsored by the American Nuclear Society (ANS) in partnership with the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), offers a special experience for nuclear scientists to interact directly with the U.S. legislative process. The fellowship spans one year, during which participants will be working as scientific advisors in congressional offices and bringing their skills to help shape policies that affect nuclear science and technology.
Program Overview
Fellowship Title: Glenn T. Seaborg Congressional Science and Engineering Fellowship
Duration: January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2026
Location: Washington, D.C., USA
Sponsoring Organizations: American Nuclear Society (ANS) and AAAS
Application Deadline: June 6, 2025, by 11:59 PM EST
Since its inception in 2000, the ANS Congressional Fellowship has enabled nuclear experts to influence federal policymaking directly.
Fellowship Benefits
- Stipend: $95,000 yearly, paid in monthly installments.
- Travel Allowance: A maximum of $10,000 for AAAS orientation expenses and two ANS national meeting attendance.
- Health Insurance Assistance: Payment of up to $5,000 for health insurance premiums not paid by other programs.
These benefits support fellows to continue their studies without financial payments, allowing them to focus on contributing effectively to policy development.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- ANS Membership: Should be an ANS member for at least two years prior to the application deadline.
- Employment Status: Cannot be a federal employee at the start of the fellowship.
- Educational Background:
- Ph.D. degree holder in a nuclear-related discipline with at least one year of relevant experience, or
- Hold a master’s degree in engineering with a minimum of three years of professional experience.
Application Process
Required Materials:
- A maximum two-page resume or CV summarizing academic and professional background.
- A maximum two-page statement of purpose detailing:
- Detail Reasons for applying with objectives for the fellowship.
- Anticipated benefits to personal and professional development.
- One or two letters of reference from your previous teachers.
Important Dates
- Application Opens: February 3, 2025
- Application Deadline: June 6, 2025
- First Round Interviews: June 2025
- Finalist Interviews and Selections: July 2025
- AAAS Fellowship Orientation: September 2025
- Fellowship Term Begins: January 1, 2026
All applications should be submitted via email to [email protected]. Following above timelines is necessary for applicants to ensure consideration for this competitive fellowship smoothly.
Fellowship Responsibilities
Fellows are expected to:
- Attend a two-week AAAS orientation in Washington, D.C., prior to the fellowship start date.
- Secure placement in a congressional office or committee.
- Play an active part in making legislative policy in nuclear and related fields.
- Send quarterly progress reports to ANS staff and committee chairs.
- Serve optionally on the ANS Special Committee for the Congressional Fellowship after completion of the term.
Impact and Legacy
Involvement in the ANS Congressional Fellowship can be a life-changing experience. Previous fellows have gone on to inform energy policy, advise legislators on nuclear regulation, and become leading figures in government, academia, and industry. To give an example, Harsh Desai, a fellow in 2014, worked in the office of Senator Dianne Feinstein, supporting energy, transportation, and climate change portfolios.
These experiences highlight the fellowship’s function in mediating the distance between science and policy, creating a more enlightened legislative process.
Final Thoughts
The ANS Congressional Fellowship 2026 is an exceptional opportunity for nuclear professionals to bring their expertise and contribution in the national policy decisions. Whether planning to influence energy legislation, advocate for sustainable nuclear innovation, or to enhance understanding of federal policy, this fellowship allows participation with the tools and connections to make a lasting impact.
Applicants are encouraged to prepare their materials in advance and submit them by the June 6, 2025 deadline.
More Information
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