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.
Saturday, December 4, 2021|11:00AM–1:00PM EST
Virtual
Following his groundbreaking “Atoms for Peace” speech before the United Nations on December 8, 1953, President Eisenhower in 1955 proposed the design and construction of a nuclear-powered merchant ship. With congressional approval in 1956, the 22,000 ton passenger and cargo ship NS Savannah was constructed, tested, and delivered for sea service in 1962. The purpose of the Savannah was to demonstrate the application of nuclear technology (80 MWth PWR) to merchant ships with all its new concomitant regulations, standards, training, operations, and design features. Between 1962 and 1970, when it was shutdown, Savannah had sailed over 450,000 miles, called 32 domestic and 45 foreign ports in 26 nations, carried 848 passengers, and hosted over 1.4 million visitors, all while burning only 163 pounds of enriched uranium.
An in-depth detailed virtual tour of the Savannah, now berthed in Baltimore, was developed under sponsorship by the ANS DC Section, N.S. Savannah Association, and the Maritime Administration (MARAD). This approximately 1-hour video tour takes viewers on a journey, which could not be taken in person, around and inside the Savannah which is undergoing decommissioning and decontamination (D&D). Extensive video footage accompanied by knowledgeable expert commentary was taken of the nuclear steam supply system (NSSS) inside the containment, control room, engine room, bridge, cargo holds, and public areas. The video of the interior of the containment is especially historic as component removal began right after film shooting in October 2021. Unique D&D design modifications are also featured in this virtual tour. The MARAD Savannah Project Director and the last Savannah Reactor Operator discuss design and operating features as well as memories.
A special thank you to the tour sponsors
