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Conference Spotlight
2026 Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
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Jul 2026
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2026
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Nuclear Science and Engineering
September 2026
Nuclear Technology
August 2026
Fusion Science and Technology
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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.
Award Recipient Photos
Charles E. Boardman
Robin P. Gardner
Mikey Brady-Raap
University of Wisconsin - Madison (Best Section)Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Best Section)
Lisa M. Marshall
Pietro V. (Pete) Domenici
Small Local SectionsWashington, DC (Best Membership)Virginia (Best Meetings and Programs)Trinity (Best Public Information and Education, Best Section Management)Large Local SectionsIdaho (Best Overall)
Alexey Soldatov
Louis K. Mansur
Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute
Donna Jacobs
Richard Sanchez
Candace C. DavisonJulie G. EzoldAngelina S. HowardAndrew C. KleinPaul J. TurinskyLumin Wang
Rolf L. Zeisler
Oliver D. Kingsley, Jr.
Calvin M. Hopper
GraduateUniversity of TennesseeBrenden Mervin, John Brittingham, David Debo, Peter FannoUndergraduateUniversity of California-BerkeleyRada Hong, Steve Huber, Kenneth Lee, Patrick Purcell, Sahak Margossian, John-David SeeligUniversity of FloridaBadal Juneja, Jellieth Cardona, Daniel Long, Matthew MarzanoUniversity of TennesseeJohnathan Chavers, Patrick Brukiewa, Addie Chinn, Matthew Cook, Dominick Cooper
Mujid S. Kazimi
Riccardo BettiEdward I. Moses
Shunsuke Kondo
Fort Calhoun StationSouth Texas Project
Amir Shahkarami Exelon
Edward W. Larsen
A. Nichole Ellis
Harold R. Denton
