2024 World Nuclear Energy Day
Dear Friends of upcoming World Nuclear Energy Day 2024, December 2nd I convey to you our theme for this year!
Recall, we create a new theme each year. Theme for 2024: We Are Critical Mass
The concept of “critical mass” was first used in nuclear physics. It represents the minimum amount of a fissionable material that will support a self-sustaining chain reaction. At this mass, the neutrons released in one fission reaction can trigger adjacent atoms to fission. A second definition explains socio-dynamic phenomena that drive actions and behaviors of large segments of the population. Also described as “critical density” in ecology, “threshold models of collective behavior” in sociology, and inflection points for policy influence in gender politics, the term illustrates how a spark ignites social movement.
Since 2022, responses to surveys conducted by the Pew Research Center have marked a shift in support for nuclear energy in the U.S. with over 50% of adults saying they favor more nuclear generation for electricity. International support is similarly on the rise. In January 2024 World Nuclear News published an article on a global survey that found high public support for nuclear energy. “One-and-a-half times more people support the use of nuclear energy than oppose it.” A social movement is coalescing into an international energy policy direction. We are poised to unlock and mobilize new nuclear technologies that will improve the general welfare of all the world’s people. We are critical mass.
Theme Creator and Designer
Rani Franovich conceived of the social movement theme for World Nuclear Energy Day 2024, “We are critical mass!” She is a former staff member of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), where she served as a certified resident inspector, manager, and leader in various capacities, including an initiative to drive culture change, agility, and high performance at the Agency. After an accomplished 30-year career at the NRC she established Nuclear ROSE Consulting, LLC, which offers a variety of expert services on nuclear regulatory oversight, safety and environmental (Nuclear ROSE).
Located near Washington DC, Ms. Franovich is a frequent commenter, writer, educator, national policy influencer, and public speaker on the promise of nuclear energy to solve pressing national and global problems. She actively advocates for close Congressional oversight and urgent regulatory reform of the NRC to enable the continued safe operation of existing reactors and deployment of new and advanced nuclear technologies.
Ms. Franovich also is a skilled artist and writer. Her genealogy includes American Gilded Age painter James McNeill Whistler and Pulitzer Prize winning North Carolina playwright Paul Green. In addition to designing graphics for her company website, presentations and publications, she makes and sells beaded jewelry. Applying a rare combination of technical creds, writing skill and artistry, she penned the narrative and designed promotional media for this year’s World Nuclear Energy Day theme.