ANS Congressional Fellowship 2026 – USA | Fully Funded Fellowship in Nuclear Science

The American Nuclear Society (ANS) is now accepting applications for the prestigious ANS Congressional Fellowship 2026. This one-year, fully funded opportunity is designed for nuclear professionals to engage directly in U.S. policymaking on Capitol Hill. Fellows will serve in the U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, or on congressional committees, where they provide expert guidance on nuclear-related issues and gain valuable experience in the legislative process.

Host Country: United States
Offered by: American Nuclear Society (ANS) via the AAAS Congressional Fellowship Program
Program Type: Fellowship
Field of Study: Nuclear Science and Technology
Deadline: June 6, 2025
Funding: Partial Funding ($95,000 stipend + additional benefits)
Eligible Applicants: U.S. Citizens Only

What Is the ANS Congressional Fellowship?

Established in 2000 and coordinated through the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), the ANS Congressional Fellowship enables nuclear professionals to advise lawmakers on critical issues such as:

• Nuclear energy and policy

• Climate change and environmental sustainability

• Public safety

• Infrastructure and innovation

This fellowship offers a career-defining opportunity to contribute meaningfully to science-based policymaking at the national level.

Degree Level

This is a non-degree professional fellowship. It provides hands-on policy experience for professionals in nuclear-related fields.

Available Fields of Study

• Nuclear Science and Technology

Fellowship Benefits

• Annual Stipend: $95,000 (paid monthly)

• Travel Support: Up to $10,000 for AAAS orientation and two ANS national meetings

• Health Insurance Support: Up to $5,000 for uncovered premiums

Eligible Nationalities

• Open to U.S. citizens only

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Must be a U.S. citizen

• Must have been an ANS member for at least two years by the application deadline

• Must not be a federal employee at the time the fellowship begins

In addition, applicants must meet at least one of the following academic and professional qualifications by January 1, 2026:

• Ph.D. in a nuclear-related discipline with at least one year of relevant experience

• Master’s degree in engineering with at least three years of professional experience (before or after the degree)

Application Timeline

• February 3, 2025: Application opens

• June 6, 2025: Application deadline (11:59 PM EST)

• June 2025: First-round virtual interviews

• July 2025: Finalist interviews and selection

• September 2025: AAAS Fellowship orientation in Washington, D.C.

• January 1, 2026: Fellowship begins

Application Procedure

Applicants must submit the following documents via email to [email protected] (PDF, Word, or similar formats accepted):

1. Full name, mailing address, email, and phone number

2. Resume or CV (maximum two pages)

3. Statement of Purpose (maximum two pages) that includes:

   • Why you are applying

   • What you hope to achieve

   • How the fellowship aligns with your career goals

4. One or two letters of reference

Selection Criteria

Applicants will be evaluated based on:

• Technical expertise in nuclear science and technology

• Ability to engage in public policy discussions

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• Contributions to ANS and the broader nuclear community

Fellowship Expectations

• Attend AAAS orientation in Fall 2025

• Secure a placement in a congressional office or committee

• Contribute to legislative policy development

• Submit quarterly progress reports to ANS staff and committee chairs

• (Optional but encouraged) Serve on the ANS Special Committee for the Congressional Fellowship after completing the term

Alumni Impact

Past fellows have played key roles in shaping energy and nuclear policy in the U.S. Some notable alumni include:

• Harsh Desai (2014) – Energy policy expert and advocate

• Eric Loewen (2005) – Recognized nuclear innovation leader

These professionals have used the fellowship to transition into impactful roles across government, academia, and industry.

Final Thoughts

The ANS Congressional Fellowship 2026 provides a unique opportunity for nuclear professionals to influence U.S. policy, advocate for sustainable energy innovation, and advance their careers in science and public service. If you’re passionate about nuclear science and committed to making a national impact, this fellowship is your gateway.

Apply by June 6, 2025, and join the next generation of science-policy leaders.