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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.
Alexander Sesonske
University of Florida (First Place)Kansas State University (Second Place)University of Maryland (Third Place)University of Missouri-Columbia (Third Place_University of New Mexico (Third Place)University of Wisconsin-Madison (Third Place)
William M. Thompson
Ronald M. Gilgenbach
Michael D. McCormickLynn R. Wallis
Trinity (Best Overall, Large)Eastern Carolinas (Best Overall, Small)Eastern Washington (ANS Local Section Exhibit, Section Management, Meetings and Programs, Public Information and Management)Idaho (Membership Development, Section Management, Meetings and Programs)Northern Pennsylvania (Membership Development)Delaware Valley (Meetings and Programs)Pittsburgh (Meetings and Programs)San Diego (Public Information and Management)Florida (Public Information and Management)Connecticut (Public Information and Management)
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
Rizwan-uddin
Chicago Pile - 5 Experimental Boiling Water Reactor High Flux Beam Reactor Northwest Electro-development Laboratory
B. Stephen CarpenterWilliam L. McLaughlin
Arthur B. Chilton
David Okrent
Morris Udall
John O'Sullivan
GraduateUniversity of TennesseeScott Thomas, Leonard Palko, Aiman Amer, Luiz Leal, Jerry KingUndergraduateUniversity of Notre DameDavid Dusing, Gerald Goldner, Michael MacLennan, Yerolemos Michael, John MullaneHonorable Mention - GraduateUniversity of TennesseeJeff Buczek, Mike Roberts, Chris Robinson, Wilson VieraHonorable Mention - UndergraduateGeorgia Institute of TechnologyDavid N. Anthony, Kathleen A. Gustad, Tanya M. Hall, Philip C. Howell, John R. Thatcher, Jr.
Salomon Levy
Spencer H. Bush
Nunzio J. Palladino
