Are you a nuclear science or engineering professional dreaming of stepping into the heart of U.S. policy-making? The Glenn T. Seaborg Congressional Science and Engineering Fellowship, offered by the American Nuclear Society (ANS), is now open for applications for its 2026 cycle — and it’s your chance to work directly on Capitol Hill, influencing real legislation that shapes the future of energy and technology.
What Is the Glenn T. Seaborg Congressional Fellowship?
This prestigious one-year fellowship allows ANS members to work full-time in the U.S. Congress — either in the office of a Senator or Representative, or within a House or Senate Committee. Hosted through the AAAS Congressional Science and Engineering Fellowship Program, Fellows provide expertise in nuclear science and technology while gaining invaluable insight into the legislative process.
Named in honor of Nobel Laureate Glenn T. Seaborg, this fellowship represents ANS’s strategic commitment to enhancing public policy with scientific knowledge. Since 2000, ANS has proudly supported its members in becoming “Beltway insiders” and active contributors to national policy.
Fellowship Benefits
- Stipend: $95,000 (paid monthly over 12 months)
- Travel Support: Up to $10,000 for:
- AAAS orientation in Washington, D.C. (September 2025)
- Two ANS National Meetings (June & November 2026)
- Health Insurance Support: Up to $5,000 for premiums not covered elsewhere
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the 2026 Fellowship, applicants must meet the following:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be a current ANS member for at least two years prior to the June 6, 2025, deadline
- Not be a federal government employee at the start of the fellowship
- Meet at least one of the following educational requirements:
- Ph.D. in nuclear-related science/engineering field + 1 year of relevant experience
- Master’s degree in engineering + 3 years of professional experience.
Apply: https://www.ans.org/honors/cfellowship/.
Application Timeline
The application process for the Glenn T. Seaborg Congressional Science and Engineering Fellowship 2026 begins on February 3, 2025, when the call for applications officially opens. All application materials must be submitted to ANS no later than June 6, 2025, by 11:59 p.m. EST.
During June 2025, the first round of virtual interviews will be conducted, followed by the notification of finalists and a second round of interviews later in the same month. Final selections for the 2026 fellowship will be made in July 2025. Selected fellows will then attend the AAAS Fellowship orientation in Washington, D.C., in September 2025.
Although not mandatory, fellows are encouraged to attend the ANS Winter Meeting from November 9–12, 2025, also held in Washington, D.C. The fellowship term officially begins on January 1, 2026, marking the start of a transformative year on Capitol Hill.
