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Division Spotlight
Nuclear Criticality Safety
NCSD provides communication among nuclear criticality safety professionals through the development of standards, the evolution of training methods and materials, the presentation of technical data and procedures, and the creation of specialty publications. In these ways, the division furthers the exchange of technical information on nuclear criticality safety with the ultimate goal of promoting the safe handling of fissionable materials outside reactors.
Meeting Spotlight
Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
September 8–11, 2025
Atlanta, GA|Atlanta Marriott Marquis
Standards Program
The Standards Committee is responsible for the development and maintenance of voluntary consensus standards that address the design, analysis, and operation of components, systems, and facilities related to the application of nuclear science and technology. Find out What’s New, check out the Standards Store, or Get Involved today!
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Nuclear Science and Engineering
August 2025
Nuclear Technology
July 2025
Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
WIPP’s SSCVS: A breath of fresh air
This spring, the Department of Energy’s Office of Environmental Management announced that it had achieved a major milestone by completing commissioning of the Safety Significant Confinement Ventilation System (SSCVS) facility—a new, state-of-the-art, large-scale ventilation system at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, the DOE’s geologic repository for defense-related transuranic (TRU) waste in New Mexico.
Technical Session|Panel|Sponsored by HFICD
Tuesday, June 14, 2022|3:15–5:00PM PDT|El Capitan B
Session Chair:
Ronald L. Boring
Session Organizer:
Alternate Chair:
Jonghyun Kim
A failure to address the human element of reactor design early will lead to missed opportunities. The quickest development process is the replication of existing concepts of operations at legacy plants, even when such systems were long ago surpassed by better human-machine technologies outside the nuclear industry. Conversely, attempting to undertake novel concepts of operations late in the design life cycle of a plant could result in protracted development efforts and delays in licensing and deployment. This does not have to happen, but it is imperative that human factors be considered now, early in the design of new reactors. The purpose of this panel session is to address the need for human factors to inform the design of new reactors. The panel will represent diverse perspectives to address research and development needs for advanced concepts of operations. The panel will consist of human factors researchers, vendors, utilities, and regulators to discuss the key challenges and solutions for ensuring human factors is adequately addressed with the nascence of new reactor technology. Topics may include: • Key emerging technologies that should be considered for control systems at plants. • Human factors benefits for efficiency, safety, and licensing. • Automation and the shift from concept of operations to concept of monitoring. • Regulatory considerations for the human factors of emerging technology. • Lessons learned from domestic and international experience with new control technologies. • Cybersecurity implications of digital, highly automated plants. • Human factors and control room design on a budget.
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Presentation Video (Visible to Attendees) — Panel Recording - Lou Martinez
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