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.
Technical Session|Technology Research and Development
Thursday, April 30, 2026|8:00–9:20AM EDT|Room 302/303/304
Session Chair:
Jhonathan Rosales
Alternate Chair:
Roger Miller
To access paper attachments, you must be logged in and registered for the meeting.
Register NowLog In
Irradiation Testing Dynamic Power System Convertor Organics
8:00–8:20AM EDT
Tyler R. Steiner (NASA Glenn Research Center), Luke R. Hansen (Univ. Tennessee, Knoxville), Greeta J. Thaikattil (NASA Glenn Research Center)
Paper
Results of Phase-II STTR, Nuclear Fuel Testing in the MIT Reactor Facility
8:20–8:40AM EDT
Roger X. Lenard (Little Prairie Services), Koroush Shrivan (MIT), David Carpenter (MIT), Nesrin Cetiner (MIT)
Presentation Slides (Visible to Attendees)
A Hybrid Binder Jet and Spark Plasma Sintering Approach to Manufacture Graded Lattice Fuel Elements for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion
8:40–9:00AM EDT
Ian Harris (Ohio State), John Horack (Ohio State)
