The Special Award recognizes an individual or group for outstanding achievements in a specific area of work. The Board of Directors selects a different topical area for the award each year on the recommendation of the Honors and Awards Committee.
Nominees may be from any nation, but they must not be deceased at the time the awardee is selected. The nominee need not be an ANS member.
The award is presented at the ANS Annual Conference and consists of a plaque and $1,000 monetary award*.
The Special Award was established in 1962 and has been awarded each year when eligible candidates are nominated and selected. The topics for the awards have come from the many varied areas of nuclear science and engineering fostered by the Society.
The selection of the topics should continue to reflect the wide variety of subjects in which ANS members are prominent contributors. Future awards should be made in areas different from those in which previous Special Awards have been given. The award topic should be of timely interest to the Society and should reflect current Society affairs and activities. The topic should not be tailored to suit a particular individual or team who would undoubtedly receive that award.
With the extensive collaboration on many projects by groups of people ranging from two or three up to several, nominations of teams or small groups can be expected and are certainly appropriate for many areas that might be selected for the award. Possible restrictions of the nominees for the award to individuals or to small groups are left to the discretion of the Honors and Awards Committee.
The criteria for selection of an award topic for the ANS Special Award is left up to the judgment of the Honors and Awards Committee. The basic criteria for the selection of an awardee can generally be outlined as follows:
Nominations must include the completed nomination form accompanied by the following supporting documents:
Because most ANS funding is scholarships and outreach/section grants rather than traditional research project grants, success depends on slightly different criteria:
✔ 1. Academic Merit & Alignment With Nuclear Fields
For scholarships, GPA, coursework in nuclear science/engineering, professional memberships, and nuclear-related academic focus are central success factors. Demonstrated commitment to nuclear studies matters. American Nuclear Society
Tip: Highlight relevant coursework, research experience, internships or lab involvement in nuclear engineering/science.
✔ 2. Leadership & Engagement
ANS values student participation in ANS chapters, leadership roles, volunteer activities, or community engagement. These traits often distinguish successful candidates. American Nuclear Society
Tip: Describe leadership roles in ANS student sections, outreach initiatives, or technical clubs.
✔ 3. Compelling Personal Statements & References
Scholarship reviewers look for well-written essays explaining career goals, motivations in nuclear fields and societal impact. Strong letters of recommendation further strengthen applications. American Nuclear Society
✔ 4. Strategic Community Impact (for Grants)
For section/strategic fund or K-12 engagement grants, proposals with clear objectives, measurable outcomes (e.g., number of students reached), and effective outreach plans score well. American Nuclear Society
Tip: Include logic models or evaluation plans showing how objectives lead to measurable impact.
✔ 5. Compliance With Restrictions
Awards like the Ferguson K-12 Engagement Grants and strategic funds have specific restrictions (e.g., funds not for conference travel or alcohol). Adhering closely to these guidelines is essential. American Nuclear Society+1
✔ Start as a student member: Most scholarships require ANS membership and sometimes local section or chapter endorsements. American Nuclear Society
✔ Apply early: Scholarship deadlines are typically Feb–Apr annually with decisions by late spring. American Nuclear Society
✔ Tailor narratives: Explain how your academic path, professional goals and community engagement align with nuclear science and ANS mission. American Nuclear Society
✔ Engage locally: For section grants, work with your Local or Student Section leadership to align proposals with strategic goals and ensure proper sanctioning.
| Funding Type | Audience | Focus | Typical Support |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANS Scholarships | Students (freshman to graduate) | Financial support for nuclear/STEM education | $1,000–$5,000 (per award) American Nuclear Society |
| Strategic Fund Grants | ANS Local & Student Sections | Outreach, joint projects, STEM engagement | ≤ $5,000 American Nuclear Society |
| Ferguson K-12 Engagement Grants | ANS members/sections | Nuclear science education outreach | ≤ $5,000 American Nuclear Society |
| Travel/Internships | Students/professionals | Travel or internship support (varies) | Varies |
The selection of the topics should continue to reflect the wide variety of subjects in which ANS members are prominent contributors. Future awards should be made in areas different from those in which previous Special Awards have been given. The award topic should be of timely interest to the Society and should reflect current Society affairs and activities. The topic should not be tailored to suit a particular individual or team who would undoubtedly receive that award.
The criteria for selection of an award topic for the ANS Special Award is left up to the judgment of the Honors and Awards Committee. The basic criteria for the selection of an awardee can generally be outlined as follows:
Sponsor Institute/Organizations: American Nuclear Society
Sponsor Type: Corporate/Non-Profit
Address: 1111 Pasquinelli Dr., Suite 350 Westmont, Illinois 60559
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Mar 01, 2026
Mar 01, 2026
$1,000
Affiliation: American Nuclear Society
Address: 1111 Pasquinelli Dr., Suite 350 Westmont, Illinois 60559
Website URL: https://www.ans.org/honors/award-special/
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