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.
Nunzio J. Palladino
University of Maryland (First Place)Iowa State University (Second Place)Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Third Place)
Mohamed A. Abdou
Richland Washington (Best Overall)Oak Ridge (Public Information)Virginia (Public Information)Missouri/Kansas (Public Information and Educational Activities)Savannah River (Educational Activities and Awards)
Mark L. Kantrowitz
Russell L. Heath
Glenn T. Seaborg
Allison M. Platt and team of R. BonniaudN. Jacquet-FrancillonA. JouanF. Laude and C. Sombret
GraduateUniversity of TennesseeMartin Stutzke, Michael Bentley, Amir Mobasheran, Guy Regan, Meraj Rehimi, Der-Jhy ShiehUndergraduateUniversity of TennesseeKaren M. English Yokoyama, Joe C. Mayes, III, Cesar Rapposelli, N. Douglas WoodyHonorable Mention - UndergraduateUniversity of California-Santa BarbaraJeffrey Fint, Russell Wheller
MFTF-B Magnet Team; led by J. Bulmer, C. Henning and T. Kozman
Hans K. Fauske
John W. Simpson
