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.
P. Jacob, W. Jacobi, H. Müller, H.G. Paretzke, G. Pröhl, J. Eklund, J. Gregor, R. Stapel
Nuclear Technology | Volume 94 | Number 2 | May 1991 | Pages 149-160
Technical Paper | Advances in Reactor Accident Consequence Assessment / Nuclear Reactor Safety | doi.org/10.13182/NT91-A34538
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
Real-time systems to assess radiological consequences can be an important tool for decision processes on countermeasures in case of large-scale radioactive contamination of the environment. In the Federal Republic of Germany, an integrated measurement and information system is under development that comprises several networks of stations measuring radiological parameters of the environment. The PARK computer code, which processes incoming environmental activity and dose rate data, analyzes and predicts the present and future radiological situation, and assesses the effects of different countermeasures. There is a similar code (EURALERT) for all countries of the European Communities; it is capable of taking into account different living habits, climatic conditions, and agricultural practices.