Which fields besides nuclear power are included in nuclear engineering?

Nuclear engineering is a multifaceted discipline that extends well beyond the development of nuclear power plants. It encompasses the science and application of nuclear and radiation processes across several critical sectors.1

Key fields and applications include:

• Medicine: Nuclear engineers work in hospitals and medical centers to develop and carry out diagnostic and therapeutic radiation procedures. This includes the field of nuclear medicine, where radioactive isotopes are used to identify and treat diseases, as well as medical physics, which involves analyzing radiation transport within the human body.234
• National Security and Defense: This includes naval propulsion programs, the development of nuclear weapons, and efforts to combat nuclear terrorism and the proliferation of nuclear materials through advanced detection systems.25
• Radiation Measurements: Engineers in this area develop sophisticated detection and imaging technologies, including algorithms for nondestructive testing and the evaluation of components using penetrating radiation.5
• Materials Science: Researchers study how radiation and high temperatures affect materials to develop radiation-resistant substances for use in reactors, waste storage, and other extreme environments.6
• Research and Development: Professionals in national laboratories and universities conduct basic and applied research on a wide variety of nuclear-related topics.2

Would you like to learn more about the specific role of nuclear engineers in medical diagnostics or defense programs?