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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
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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.
Walker Lee Cisler
Glenn F. Knoll
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (First Place)Mississippi State University Second PlaceUniversity of Florida (Second Place)Kansas State University (Honorable Mention)University of Lowell (Honorable Mention)University of Maryland (Honorable Mention)University of Missouri-Columbia (Honorable Mention)University of Wisconsin-Madison (Honorable Mention)
Robert W. Wiesener
Glenn E. Lucas
Sara A. Morabito
Long Island (Meritorious, Small)Eastern Carolinas (Meritorious, Large)Austria (Meritorious, International)Eastern Carolinas (Best Membership, Best Meetings and Programs)Eastern Washington (Best Public Information and Education)Idaho (Best Section Management)
Graham M. Leitch (Philadelphia Electric CompanyLimerick Generating Station)W. T. Ullrich (Tennessee Valley AuthorityBrowns Ferry Unit 3 Restart)
Ricardo C. DeBarros
Big Rock Point Nuclear Plant Belgian Reactor 3 (BR3) Dresden Nuclear Station Unit 1 Room 307, Gilman Hall (University of California, Berkeley)NS Savannah at Patriots Point ORNL's Graphite Reactor Penn State Breazeale Reactor
Bernice E. Paige
Gregory R. ChoppinNuclear Safety JournalSammuel Untermyer II
David K. Trubey
William S. Lee
H. "Peter" PlanchonJohn I. Sackett
GraduateUniversity off Tennessee - KnoxvilleBenan Basoglu, Agus Cahyono, Michael Corum, Andreas Ikonomopoulos, Thomas Radcliff, Michael TravisUndergraduateArizona State UniversityGerald Hunter, Mary Inman, Shawn PautzHonorable Mention - GraduateUniversity of Texas, AustinSteven Manson, Arnold PreeceHonorable Mention - UndergraduateUniversity of New MexicoBrian Hunt, Michael Lake, Julie Minton, Ned Alan Morley
Hans K. Fauske
Nikolai G. BasovHeinrich HoraJohn H. NuckollsChiyoe Yamanaka
Francois X. Cogne
Alvin M. Weinberg
Frank Bevilacqua
