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2026 Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
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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.
Luis Herranz, Fabrizio Gabrielli, Livia Tiborcz, Fulvio Mascari, Pavlin Groudev, Gabriel Pavel, Sandro Paci
Nuclear Technology | Volume 211 | Number 12 | December 2025 | Pages 2903-2910
Research Article | doi.org/10.1080/00295450.2025.2511536
Articles are hosted by Taylor and Francis Online.
The HORIZON-2020 project on Management and Uncertainties of Severe Accidents (MUSA) meant a sound step forward in the application of uncertainty and sensitivity analysis (UaSA) in severe accident (SA) analysis. While a massive application was conducted for reactor and spent fuel pool scenarios, major challenges were found that might hinder an effective and systematic implementation of UaSA in the SA domain. This paper synthesizes the major accomplishments achieved by MUSA and identifies the challenges that were found, and through discussion, the path forward to move ahead is outlined.
