Next meeting: Chicago, IL, USA, October, 2026

Typical size: 400-600 attendees; ~300 papers

Periodicity: Odd numbered years since 1993

The GLOBAL series of international conferences covers future nuclear energy systems with emphasis on their associated advanced fuel cycles. The conferences encourage submission of papers on new nuclear systems that are in various stages of conceptualization, research, development, demonstration and early application. Reviews and discussion of significant national decisions and policies affecting the future of nuclear energy comprise a recurring theme. These national reviews could include progress on establishing national waste repositories, requirements for an acceptable nonproliferation regime for an advanced nuclear fuel cycle and national plans for expanding nuclear energy production.

Next meeting: Washington DC, USA, November 9-12, 2025

Typical size: 180-200, approx. 150 papers

Periodicity: Approximately every 2 years

The International High-Level Radioactive Waste Management Conference focuses on the technology and science for geological repositories throughout the world with more than half the papers originating outside the US. The technical scope includes high-level waste characterization, packaging, modeling and performance as well as repository modeling and performance. The ANS manages this conference in part as a service to the Department of Energy. The Organizing and Program Committees are diverse, with members representing many different professional organizations.

Next meeting: Oct. 5-9, 2024 in Nashville, TN: TopFuel 2025: Nuclear Reactor Fuel Performance Conference

Typical size: >200 attendees; ~100 papers

Periodicity: Varies

This conference focuses on the latest developments in LWR fuel performance, including improved fuel designs and in-core management schemes. The meeting now alternates with the European Top Fuel conference, which is held in odd-numbered years. FCWMD alternates with the Materials Science and Technology Division (MSTD) as the primary sponsor of the LWR Fuel Performance.

Next meeting: Clearwater Beach, FL, June 20-23, 2025

Typical size: ~150 attendees; ~80 papers

Periodicity: Approximately 4 years

This conference is a forum for addressing a broad spectrum of front-end nuclear fuel management activities, within the context of reactor physics and fuel cycle economics. Topics will range from methods development and verification to design and implementation of new in-core fuel products and strategies. FCWMD co-sponsors with the Reactor Physics Division with hosting by local ANS sections. ENS, AESJ, OECD/NEA, and CNS are also sponsors.