2026 ANS Congressional Fellowship in U.S.A

Introduction

The American Nuclear Society (ANS) has announced applications for its prestigious 2026 Congressional Fellowship, offering nuclear professionals a transformative opportunity to contribute directly to federal policymaking in Washington, D.C. This year-long program places fellows in U.S. Senate or House offices or on congressional committees, where they provide critical technical expertise while gaining invaluable experience in the legislative process.

This fellowship represents a unique intersection of nuclear expertise and public policy, enabling professionals to influence national decisions while developing career-enhancing skills in the heart of American government.

What Is the ANS Congressional Fellowship?

Fellows contribute expertise beyond strictly nuclear matters, supporting legislative work in broader domains including:

• Energy policy development
• Environmental protection
• Climate change initiatives
• Public safety measures
• National infrastructure projects

Fellowship Benefits

The ANS Congressional Fellowship provides substantial financial and professional benefits:

Financial Support

• Annual Stipend: $95,000, disbursed in monthly payments
• Travel Allowance: Up to $10,000 for attendance at the AAAS orientation and two ANS national meetings
• Healthcare Supplement: Up to $5,000 for health insurance premiums not covered by other programs

Professional Benefits

• Direct experience in the federal legislative process
• Expanded professional network including policymakers and scientific leaders
• Development of policy analysis and communication skills
• Enhanced understanding of how technical expertise influences public policy
• Career advancement opportunities in government, industry, and academic sectors

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants for the 2026 ANS Congressional Fellowship must meet several specific criteria:

• Citizenship: U.S. citizenship is required
• ANS Membership: Must have been an ANS member for a minimum of two years prior to the application deadline
• Employment Status: Cannot be a federal government employee when the fellowship begins

Academic and Professional Qualifications

Candidates must fulfill at least one of these requirements by January 1, 2026:

• A Ph.D. in a nuclear-related discipline plus one year of relevant professional experience
• A Master’s degree in engineering with at least three years of professional experience (either before or after degree completion)

Apply Also

• Corvinus University of Budapest EKÖP Research Fellowship 2025/2026
• Loughborough University GREAT Scholarships 2025

Application Process

Key Dates for 2026 Fellowship Cycle

• February 3, 2025: Application portal opens
• June 6, 2025: Application deadline (11:59 PM EST)
• June 2025: First round of virtual interviews conducted
• July 2025: Finalist interviews and selection of fellow
• September 2025: AAAS Fellowship orientation in Washington, D.C.
• January 1, 2026: Official start of fellowship term

Required Application Materials

All materials must be submitted via email to fellow@ans.org in PDF, Word, or similar format:

1. Contact Information: Full name, mailing address, email address, and phone numbers
2. Resume/CV: Maximum two-page document summarizing academic and professional background
3. Statement of Purpose: Maximum two-page statement addressing:
   • Motivation for applying
   • Expected outcomes and achievements
   • Anticipated benefits to your career trajectory
4. References: One or two professional letters of recommendation

Selection Criteria

The selection committee evaluates candidates based on:

• Demonstrated technical expertise in nuclear science and technology
• Ability to engage effectively in public policy discussions
• Excellence in written and oral communication
• History of contributions to ANS and the broader nuclear community

Fellowship Expectations

Selected fellows are expected to:

• Attend the comprehensive AAAS orientation program in fall 2025
• Successfully secure placement in a congressional office or committee
• Make substantive contributions to legislative policy in nuclear and related fields
• Submit quarterly progress reports to ANS staff and committee chairs
• Optionally serve on the ANS Special Committee for the Congressional Fellowship after completing the term

With applications opening February 3, 2025, interested nuclear professionals should begin preparing their materials to compete for this prestigious and career-enhancing opportunity.

Apply Here