ANS is committed to advancing, fostering, and promoting the development and application of nuclear sciences and technologies to benefit society.
Explore the many uses for nuclear science and its impact on energy, the environment, healthcare, food, and more.
Explore membership for yourself or for your organization.
Conference Spotlight
2026 Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
Latest Magazine Issues
Jul 2026
Jan 2026
2026
Latest Journal Issues
Nuclear Science and Engineering
September 2026
Nuclear Technology
August 2026
Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
The human factor in licensing and operating the next generation of nuclear plants
As human factors specialists working at the intersection of human performance and nuclear operations, we are witnessing one of the nuclear sector’s most significant transitions in decades. The emergence of small modular reactors, microreactors, and other advanced designs is reshaping the industry’s landscape. Digital instrumentation and controls, passive safety systems, and increased automation are creating opportunities for greater safety margins and more flexible operation. These same features also fundamentally redefine what it means to “operate” a nuclear plant. Interactions among human roles, automation, and passive systems shape how people maintain awareness, exercise judgment, and intervene when necessary. These developments affect both operational realities and the regulatory foundations on which nuclear safety is built.
E. James (Jim) Reinsch has had a distinguished, 40-year career in the field of nuclear power project management. He joined the American Nuclear Society (ANS) in 2002 and three years later he was elected president of the Society. Since he joined ANS, he has been part of the Education, Training and Workforce Development and Operations and Power Divisions.
He served as senior vice president and Partner of Bechtel Group, and he was the president of Bechtel Nuclear. He directed the company’s global nuclear operations for eight years, presiding over Bechtel Canada, he managed large regions in the U.S. and southwest Asia.
He is member of several international nuclear energy organizations, including the International Nuclear Academy, an honor society of the engineering and scientific community that fosters development and utilization of the peaceful application of nuclear energy in a safe and economic manner.
Reinsch serves on many Board of Directors including Ontario Power Generation Inc., NEI (he is also a member of their Executive Committee), Duke Energy Corporation, Frederick Memorial Hospital, and the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. He is on the Board of Trustees for Hood College in Maryland.
Additionally, he is involved with the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation Committee on Nuclear Power. Reinsch is a member of Rotary International.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Relations and Production from the University of Maryland.
Read Nuclear News from July 2005 for more on Jim.
