Outreach aimed at recruiting next generation of nuclear science professionals
– By Chris Smith –
The National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has commemorated the first annual National Nuclear Science Week. Sponsored by the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History in Albuquerque, N.M., National Nuclear Science Week is dedicated to celebrating the history of nuclear science as well as cultivating a new generation of nuclear science professionals.
In a letter of support for National Nuclear Science Week, Secretary of Energy Steven Chu cited the importance of raising interest in careers that are critical to our future energy security and economic competitiveness.
“This week presents an opportunity for Americans to learn about and explore the importance of nuclear science domestically and abroad,” wrote Secretary Chu. “It also gives us a platform to continue the nationwide discussion about the need to recruit the next generation of experts in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.”
The full text of Secretary Chu’s letter can be found at http://nnsa.energy.gov/documents/NNSW_Letter.pdf
NNSA, which is responsible for enhancing national security through the application of nuclear science and technology, has tens of thousands of employees and contractors across its eight sites and at its headquarters in Washington, D.C. The men and women working across the nuclear security enterprise apply nuclear sciences to NNSA’s core missions of maintaining the nation’s nuclear stockpile; preventing nuclear proliferation; supporting the U.S. Navy’s nuclear propulsion program; and responding to nuclear and radiological emergencies around the world.
“Cutting edge nuclear science and technology are the heart of our enterprise,” said NNSA Administrator Thomas D’Agostino. “We employ some of the smartest, most dedicated experts in the world to tackle critical national and international security challenges. Recruiting the next generation of nuclear security professionals is key to our success, which is why it is so important that we draw attention to these areas of study.”
NNSA offers employment opportunities for talented professionals at every career level. Efforts include outreach to undergraduate and graduate nuclear science and engineering programs across the country. Find out more at http://nnsa.energy.gov
Learn more about National Nuclear Science Week at http://nuclearscienceweek.org
Established by Congress in 2000, NNSA is a semi-autonomous agency within the U.S. Department of Energy responsible for enhancing national security through the military application of nuclear science in the nation’s national security enterprise. NNSA maintains and enhances the safety, security, reliability, and performance of the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile without nuclear testing; reduces the global danger from weapons of mass destruction; provides the U.S. Navy with safe and effective nuclear propulsion; and responds to nuclear and radiological emergencies in the U.S. and abroad. Visit http://www.nnsa.energy.gov/ for more information.