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.
10:00–11:40AM CDT
Grand Salon AB
Session Chair: Tracy Stover|Alternate Chair: Brittany M. Williamson
1:00–2:40PM CDT
Session Chair: Satoshi Gunji|Alternate Chair: Brittany M. Williamson
3:15–4:55PM CDT
Grand Salon DE
Session Chair: Zachariah R. Lemke|Alternate Chair: John D. Bess
Session Chair: Kristin Stolte|Alternate Chair: Rowdy Davis
8:00–9:40AM CDT
Session Chair: Michael Zerkle|Alternate Chair: Ashley Raster
Session Chair: Rowdy Davis|Alternate Chair: Jesson D. Hutchinson
Session Chair: Chris Chapman|Alternate Chair: Travis M. Greene
Session Chairs: Luiz C. Leal, Aurelie Bardelay
Session Chair: Natalie Cannon|Alternate Chair: Jesson D. Hutchinson
Session Chair: Alan Yamanaka|Alternate Chair: Brandon Jenkins
Session Chair: Jesse Brown|Alternate Chair: Ashley Raster
Session Chair: Rowan Johnson|Alternate Chair: Zachariah R. Lemke
Session Chair: Jeongwon Seo|Alternate Chair: Michael E. Rising
Session Chair: Donna Nuttall|Alternate Chair: Luiz C. Leal
Session Chair: Charlotte Davis|Alternate Chair: Luiz C. Leal
Session Chair: Mandy Bowles Tomaszewski|Alternate Chair: Adam Walker
Session Chair: Cole Kolstelac|Alternate Chair: Jesson D. Hutchinson
Session Chair: Andrew Holcomb|Alternate Chair: Alex Shaw
Session Chair: Amy E. van der Vyver|Alternate Chair: John A. Miller
Session Chair: Peter Brain|Alternate Chair: Rowdy Davis
Session Chair: James R. Cole|Alternate Chair: Brittany Williamson
