Dr. Marc Miller

Though we may not give it much thought, we live in a region where nuclear technology creates many benefits that we enjoy and rely on every day.

When we flip on the light switch, odds are good the electricity that powers the bulb came from a nuclear plant. Doctors use radioisotopes to cure us or hold our diseases at bay. Nuclear techniques have widespread uses in many countries in food and agriculture, human health, industry, hydrology, and science and technology.

Then there are the jobs. Thousands of our neighbors work in the nuclear industry today - many of them at the Department of Energy's Savannah River Site or at nearby commercial nuclear power plants in South Carolina and Georgia. And job opportunities are growing. Estimates by the SRS Community Reuse Organization say we may need another 10,000 nuclear workers in the next decade.

Our region is special in its high number of well-trained workers in a nuclear industry that is critical to our nation. Nuclear technology is a driver in our economy, and its electricity, jobs and other contributions will be needed to power our eventual economic recovery. Our educational community is committed to continuing education and training opportunities needed for future local jobs. So, as a region and nation, we have ample reason to celebrate nuclear technology.

Today begins the Third Annual National Nuclear Science Week, a national, broadly observed recognition of how human knowledge has directed the energy of our most fundamental component, the atom, to the service and progress of our communities and world.

Secretary of Energy Steven Chu says National Nuclear Science Week is an opportunity for educators, industry and citizens across our country to speak out about the critical value of nuclear science to our energy future, competitiveness and economic security. Activities during the week are intended to advance awareness of the key benefits of nuclear technology and to recognize the professionals who work in it.

National Nuclear Science Weekis a partnership between the host organization, the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and nuclear industry partners, including the Nuclear Energy Institute, Entergy, the US Department of Energy, the American Nuclear Society, and the Society of Nuclear Medicine.

Locally, the SRS Community Reuse Organization is spearheading the week's observance in Georgia and South Carolina. Given our region's significant involvement in nuclear technology, the SRSCRO recognized the value of observing this nationally designated week. In future years, we expect to expand involvement by nuclear employers, educators, economic developers and other groups in the region that have a stake in our nuclear future.

Starting today and following on each day of this week, local organizers are focusing on a different aspect of nuclear technology: 

• Monday, January 23, Focus Area: National Nuclear Science WeekTuesday, January 24, Focus Area: Local Nuclear Presence
• Wednesday, January 25, Focus Area: Careers and Jobs
• Thursday, January 26, Focus Area: Savannah River Site
• Friday, January 27, Focus Area: Education Initiatives

All during the year, our calendars are filled with days and weeks that have been set aside for special observances of historic events and worthy causes. As we launch 2012, let's all take a minute to appreciate the contributions of nuclear technology which are many.

[The author, Dr. Marc Miller, is Dean of the Hull School of Business at Augusta State University. He also serves as Chairman of the SRS Community Reuse Organization]