NSW typically takes place in the third week of October. For 2024, it is from 21st to 25th October and each day aims to educate and celebrate the innovations, contributions, and opportunities within nuclear science.

While the event is an international one that encourages participation globally, it is typically hosted by a different venue each year. For 2024, to coincide with the 15th anniversary of Nuclear Science Week and the 75th anniversary of Idaho National Laboratory, they will be the host of this year’s event, with many of the virtual conferences taking place between the INL and the Museum of Idaho.

History of Nuclear Science Week

The inception of NSW came about in 2009 when the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History held discussions with partners that aimed to raise awareness of the achievements of the nuclear science sector with the public. From here, the annual celebration of the industry was born.

From 2010 to 2012, the event was held in January in Albuquerque but cold weather and the logistics of traveling at this time of year saw the steering committee move the event to October, where it has held its spot in the calendar since 2013.

Over the years, the event has travelled across the US and been held in notable establishments including The Pacific Science Center in Seattle, the Illinois Institute of Technology, and Capitol Hill in Washington to name just a few. In 2018, for its ninth year, the event returned to Albuquerque.

Nuclear Science in Materials Science

There is more synergy between nuclear science and materials science than you might realize. While our first thoughts of nuclear might be to do with energy or weaponry, it is important to understand that nuclear science has also been instrumental in such research as the development of alloys and radiation-resistant materials for aerospace applications, or high-efficiency semiconductors for next-generation electronics.

By using techniques such as neutron scattering or ion-beam analysis, researchers can examine the structures of materials at an atomic or molecular level with such precision that they are able to discover properties that were once invisible through traditional methods.

Can you participate in NSW?

While the physical events are held within US institutes each year, there are many online presentations and virtual talks as well as in-person and organized activities at the host location.

Smaller celebrations also take place in other places throughout the world and the Nuclear Science Week steering committee encourages establishments and laboratories globally to get involved and share their activities.

Find out more at: https://www.nuclearscienceweek.org/national-event

The Importance of Nuclear Science

Nuclear science plays a vital role in our lives and impacts many more areas than we often realize:

● Clean energy and reliable power: Nuclear power plants produce carbon-free energy and operate continuously, offering a reliable source of power unaffected by weather or other external factors.

● Medicine and health: Radioisotopes are used in medical imaging and cancer treatments.

● Construction: radioactive isotopes are used in the gauging and monitoring of the thickness, density, and levels of materials in industrial processes.

● Archeology and Geology: Radiocarbon dating helps determine the age of artefacts or geological formations.

● Environmental Science: Isotopes and nuclear techniques are essential tools for monitoring and mitigating pollution and climate change.

At Goodfellow, we're more than just material suppliers. We're committed to leading the way in materials science innovation. Nuclear science, a cornerstone of this field, is crucial for understanding and manipulating materials at the atomic level. By staying at the forefront of nuclear science advancements, we can provide our customers with cutting-edge materials and expert advice. Our deep expertise in this area enables us to offer tailored solutions that drive innovation and performance.

From aerospace to electronics, medical devices to energy production, we remain committed to being your partner for every specialist material you will ever need, designed, manufactured, and delivered anywhere in the world.