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Learn more about Nuclear Criticality Safety Division

What is NCSD?

A Professional Division of the American Nuclear Society dealing with the practice of ensuring that fissile material operations outside of reactors are performed safely. Our area of expertise encompasses operating practices, field support, code development, cross section measurement, critical and subcritical experimentation as well as common sense.

Who is NCSD?

A diverse and active group. We represent all facets of nuclear criticality safety, including academics, the Department of Energy, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, contractors, owners and operators of nuclear facilities. We include national and international individuals, professionals and students, technical experts and program managers. NCSD has over 800 members, yet is small enough to have others know your name and follow your development.

Why Join NCSD?

Criticality safety is a close-knit community and the opportunity for making technical and social contacts through NCSD is substantial. NCSD gives you instant access to an extensive technical network that can help you solve difficult problems quickly and distinguish yourself from the crowd. We provide training and resources to help you get the answer right the first time.

By getting involved, you can make a difference: contributing best practices and innovative solutions, helping others in your field through mentoring and sponsoring newcomers, and increasing the safety of the public. NCSD represents a forum where you can develop leadership skills, contribute new ideas, make your opinions heard and help shape future standard practices and regulations. We also recognize and award impressive contributions to the field.

SAVE THE DATE!

Nuclear Criticality Safety Division 2025 Conference

September 14 - 18, 2025
Many Missions, One Goal: Collaborating for a Safer Tomorrow
Austin, TX, AT&T Hotel & Conference Center

Get ready for the next edition of the NCSD Topical Meeting. At this Topical, the top minds from the broad NCS community meet to collaborate on new developments in the field and discuss ideas on how to improve the industry for the next generation. From dedicated Session tracks like STACY Refurbishment and Restart to exciting workshops on Plutonium Chemistry, the NCSD Topical Meeting has opportunities for any and every member of our community.

The 2025 NCS Topical Meeting will be held in the vibrant and electrifying city of Austin, Texas. Austin is known as the "Live Music Capital of the World" where many well-known country music icons have their roots. Every night, local performers from all genres of music fill the air. Austin is also home to world-class barbeque, but its eclectic food palate has something for everyone to enjoy. Enjoy a long walk or bike ride along the river featuring a beautiful mix of urban and natural sights. Make sure to stop by the famous "Bat Bridge" at dusk for a truly unique experience. We look forward to seeing and collaborating with you in Austin!

Further information can be found at https://www.ans.org/meetings/view-ncsd2025/

News / Upcoming Events

Did I mention the $$$?

The Nuclear Criticality Safety Division (NCSD) of the American Nuclear Society (ANS) conducted a voluntary survey of nuclear criticality safety (NCS) professionals during the early part of 2023. The primary goal of the survey was to assess salaries of NCS professionals and compare that information to various other career aspects.

The survey was open to both ANS and non-ANS members and received over 100 responses, which is a significant portion of the NCS professionals in the U.S. The responses cannot be guaranteed to be fully representative of the entire population of NCS professionals, however the respondents did represent a wide range of experience, work location, work responsibilities, and employers. No other demographics were collected on the basis of anonymity.

The overall average salary reported was $152, 336.

Nuclear Criticality Safety Professionals Compensation Study (PDF) (January 2024)

2024 NCS Salary Survey

In 2016 NCSD conducted a salary survey. Since that information was getting outdated, we conducted another survey in 2024. We appreciate all of you who participated. Click here to see the survey results.

NCSD Mentor Match Program

NCSD Education Committee members Hannah Morbach, Jennifer Alwin, and Deb Hill have been developing a mentoring program for professionals in the NCS community. The NCSD Mentor Match Program leverages a modular framework to connect mentors and mentees based on past experience, desired skillsets, and communication preferences, and seeks to facilitate the mission of the Education Committee: To promote development of nuclear criticality safety expertise by providing opportunities that offer technical growth and recognition. Click on the link to download the NCSD Mentor Match Program (69626 downloads) .

If you are interested in participating, please fill out an application and return to ansmentormatch@gmail.com. The Matching Committee will review your applications and make pairs based on the interests and needs indicated in your application. This is a great way to share, learn, and make meaningful and lasting connections!