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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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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.
Arthur B. Chilton
Texas A&M University (First Place)University of Florida (Second Place)University of Lowell (Second Place)
Kenneth C. Gross
Bernard L. Cohen
San Diego (Best Overall)Idaho (Public Information)Northeastern New York (Most Improved)Northern California (Membership)Eastern Carolinas (Programs and Meetings)Oak Ridge/Knoxville (Operations and Management)Taiwan (Honorable Mention in recognition of arranging and operating an Executive Conference)
Ming-Yuan Hsiao
Charles C. BakerDon Steiner
Melvin Price
Robin P. Gardner
Glenn T. Seaborg
Takashi Mukaibo
Michael E. PhelpsTeam: Thomas F. BudingerStephen E. Derenzo and Ronald H. Huseman
GraduateUniversity of Wisconsin-MadisonJames Berry, Ali A. Bajabir, James P. Herzog, Moo Hwan Kim, Myung Do Oh, R. Todd WlzbackerUndergraduateUniversity of TennesseeKeith E. Holbert, S. Keith Penny, Paul Seagle, Thomas D. SmithHonorable Mention - GraduateOhio State UniversityDavid E. van Deusen, David A. Fry, Gregory S. Rowe, Christopher CharlesHonorable Mention - UndergraduateUniversity of Illinois-UrbanaJames Carrol, Kar Chin, Alan Conlin, Charles Keller, Thomas Mosinsky, James Thilenius, Bruce Kschinka, Francesco Venneri
Christopher Foster & Stanley Milora (team award)
Frank Reginald Farmer
John M. West