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Conference Spotlight
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.
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Downloads: Download Nomination Form
Nomination Deadline
May 4
Presented at the
Topical Meeting of Fusion Energy (TOFE) or the ANS Annual Conference
Monetary Award
TBD
The Fusion Energy Division Outstanding Achievement Award recognizes individuals with a continued history of exemplary achievement requiring professional excellence and leadership of a high caliber in the fusion science and engineering area. The purpose of this award is to promote to others that the ANS Fusion Energy Division encourages such technical accomplishment and recognizes its importance to fusion.
The award consists of an engraved plaque or an object of ornamental or useful type with intrinsic value . The award is presented at Topical Meeting of Fusion Energy (TOFE) or the ANS Annual Conference.
Nominees must be an ANS member, in the Fusion Energy Division, and must be living at the time of award selection. Specific criteria include:
The FED Outstanding Achievement Award was established in 1977 as a Division-Administered award by the ANS Fusion Energy Division.
Nominations are solicited through a bi-annual announcement in ANS publications and independent efforts of the Fusion Energy Division and through the channels of the Fusion Energy Division Topical Meeting on Fusion Energy (TOFE).
Nominations must include the completed nomination form accompanied by the following supporting documents:
Nomination forms and supporting documents (in Word or Adobe Acrobat) should be emailed to Lauren Garrison at lgarrison@cfs.energy and cc'd to honors@ans.org.
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