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|Panel|Sponsored by NISD
Tuesday, November 17, 2020|12:00–2:10PM EST
Session Chair:
Matthew Bucknor (ANL)
Session Organizer:
Alternate Chair:
David S. Grabaskas
Staff Producer:
John Fabian (American Nuclear Society)
Panel to discuss the current VTR safety strategy and how it is being implemented among various analysis/design groups including the VTR Safety Analysis, Safety Basis, PRA, and Experiment teams. Presentations from panelists will be followed by an open Q&A session with the audience.
Thomas Fanning
Argonne National Laboratory
Jason Andrus
Idaho National Laboratory
Kevan Weaver
David Grabaskas
ANL
To access the session recording, you must be logged in and registered for the meeting.
Register NowLog In
