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Conference Spotlight
2026 Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
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Nuclear Science and Engineering
September 2026
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August 2026
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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.
2022
Advanced Test Reactor Team (INL)
2019
Callaway Energy CenterAmeren Missouri
2016
Advanced Test Reactor
2013
Oak Ridge National Laboratory High Flux Isotope Reactor
2010
Texas A&M Nuclear Science CenterUniversity of Florida Text ReactorPurdue University ReactorOregon State UniversityWashington State University Nuclear ReactorUniversity of Wisconsin Nuclear ReactorNeutron Radiography Reactor
2007
Nuclear Engineering Teaching Laboratory (NETL) at the University of Texas at Austin
2005
B. Ralph Sylvia (posthumously)
2001
Peter Martin, Wolf Creek Nuclear Station
2000
Yuichi Hayashi
1999
Louis F. Storz
1998
FFTF OperationsMaintenanceEngineeringin recognition of disciplined defueling operations and storage operations of spent mixed oxide fuel
1997
Howard MaxwellThe Arizona Public Service Predictive Maintenance Team
1996
Brookhaven National Laboratory
1993
Leo B. Holland (Martin Marietta Energy Systems)Louis F. Storz (Toledo Edison)
1992
George C. Fullmer (GE NuclearSan Jose) (retired)
1991
Graham M. Leitch (Philadelphia Electric CompanyLimerick Generating Station)W. T. Ullrich (Tennessee Valley AuthorityBrowns Ferry Unit 3 Restart)
1990
Patrick Tierney and Eward L. Watzl (Northern States Power)Henry D. HukillT. Gary Broughton and Michael J. Ross (GPU Nuclear Corp.)Robert M. BruggerDon M. AlgerJ. Charles McKibben and Chester B. Edwards, Jr. (University of Missouri-Columbia)
1989
James E. O'Sullivan (Pennsylvania Power & Light Co.)Team of: C. ChiuW. FrickB. WoodsJ. TateS. McMahanD. NiebrueggeV. FisherJ. SalazarB. DuncilC. ElliottW. WilczekM. GutellJ. Moore R. WaldoG. HollowaySouthern California Edison Company (San Onofre Trip Reduction Task Force)
1988
Donald R. Harris (Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute)William A. Haller (Duke Power Company)Richard M. Smith (Carolina Power & Light Company)
1987
FFTF Reactor Operations Management Team: R. H. DavisG. B. GriffinD. G. HamrickL. E. HarvilleC. P. WickD. J. SwaimJohn C. Merritt, Jr. (Maine Yankee Atomic Power Company)Team: Shuh-Ji Tsuei (Taiwan Power Company)Shoei-Jin LiaoNeng-Fu Shih
1986
Richard J. Cashwell (University of Wisconsin)Harold W. Keiser (Pennsylvania Power & Light Company)
1985
Charles R. Dietz (Carolina Power and Light Co. Brunswick Nuclear Project)Team of: Roland N. Smith (Argonne National LaboratoryID) and William H. Perry (EBR II)Team of: Efford H. Pierce (Yankee Atomic Electric Co.)Edward A. WalshEdwin R. TaylorDonald B. VassarKarl E. Jurentkuff
1983
Peter Martin
