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.
A. David Rossin, Kunmo Chung, K. L. Peddicord
Nuclear Technology | Volume 88 | Number 2 | November 1989 | Pages 107-119
Technical Paper | NSF Workshop on the Research Needs of the Next Generation Nuclear Power Technology / Fission Reactor | doi.org/10.13182/NT89-A34318
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The National Science Foundation sponsored a workshop to develop input for academic research programs that could form the basis of the next generation of nuclear power technology. New developments in computers, artificial intelligence, and management of complex undertakings suggest that research could assist in improving design, safety, reliability, and economics of existing and future nuclear power plants. Workshop participants identified a set of potential program elements, including an integrated design with full system and life-cycle analytical models, computer-updated configuration control, advanced human/machine interfacing with artificial intelligence, innovative design concepts, and new approaches to risk assessment and demonstration of safety.