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.
Tooru Kobayashi, Yoshinori Sakurai, Keiji Kanda, Yoshiaki Fujita, Koji Ono
Nuclear Technology | Volume 131 | Number 3 | September 2000 | Pages 354-378
Technical Paper | Radiation Biology and Medicine | doi.org/10.13182/NT00-A3122
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The Heavy Water Thermal Neutron Facility of the Kyoto University Research Reactor (KUR) was wholly updated in March 1996 mainly for neutron capture therapy. The performance as a neutron irradiation facility was improved using the epithermal neutron moderator of the aluminum-heavy water mixture (Al/D2O = 80/20 vol%), the neutron energy spectrum shifter of heavy water, and the thermal neutron filters of cadmium and boral plates. The clinical irradiation utilization under the full-power (5-MW) continuous KUR operation was realized employing both the radiation shielding system, consisting of the shielding door and irradiation room, and the remote carrying system for a patient. The safety and utility of the facility were improved due to the safety observation system.