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.
Jacopo Buongiorno
2024
Rafael Mariano Grossi
2023
Mark T. Peters
2022
William E. Webster, Jr.
2021
Kristine L. Svinicki
2020
Siegfried S. Hecker
2019
Mr. Marvin S. Fertel
2018
Dr. James T. Rhodes
2017
Mr. William D. Magwood
2016
Peter B. Lyons
2015
George Apostolakis
2014
Luis E. Echavarri
2013
Richard Meserve
2012
Aris S. Candris
2011
Dale E. Klein
2010
Richard J. K. Stratford
2009
Oliver D. Kingsley, Jr.
2008
Nils J. Diaz
2007
Edward McGaffigan, Jr.
2006
C. Paul Robinson
2005
Neil E. Todreas
2004
Joseph M. Hendrie
2003
E. Gail de Planque
2002
Zack T. Pate
2001
Corbin McNeill
2000
Senator Pete V. Domenici
1999
Joseph Farley
1998
Ambassador Richard T. Kennedy
1997
John W. Simpson
1996
John W. Landis
1995
Jean-Claude Leny
1994
Eugene P. (Dennis) Wilkinson
1993
W. Kenneth Davis
1992
Bertram Wolf
1991
William S. Lee
1990
Remy L. Carle
1989
Walker L. Cisler
1988
Hans BlixKeith Glennen
1987
Morris Udall
1985
Lord Walter Marshall of Goring
1984
Takashi Mukaibo
1983
Chauncey Starr
1982
Glenn T. Seaborg
1980
Andre Giraud
1979
Manson Benedict
1978
Gerald Tape
1976
Sigvard Eklund
1974
Chet Holifield
1972
Henry DeWolf Smyth
