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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.
Harvey A. Wagner
Michael M. R. Williams
University of Florida (First Place)Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Second Place)Texas A&M University (Second Place)University of Maryland (Honorable Mention)University of Missouri-Rolla (Honorable Mention)
C. Harry Youngquist
Hussein S. Khalil
James L. Acord
Warren E. Nyer
Philip AndersonRonald K. BayerEugene N. CramerAdolf S. GarciaBrian GrimesWalter Y. KatoRobert G. LacyEdward (Ted) L. Quinn
Small Local SectionsLong Island (Best Overall, Best Membership, Best Meetings and Programs, Best Public Information, Best Section Management)Oak Ridge/Knoxville (Best Section Management)Central Illinois, Northeastern (Meritorious Finalists)Large Local SectionsIdaho (Best Overall)
David I. Poston
Leon C. Walters
Molten Salt Reactor Tower Shielding Facility Zoé reactor (EL-1)
Laural L. Briggs
John GillelandNermin Uckan
William E. BurchillJ. Jason Chao
Eugene P. (Dennis) Wilkinson
Jerry D. Christian
George L. Wessman
GraduateUniversity of TennesseeJeff Banks, Ed Churnetski, Karani Gulec, Jerry Lichtenwalter, Ugur Mertyurek, Dan SmithUniversity of VirginiaThomas D. Burns, Chae J. Han, John D. Muskopf, Lee C. Taylor, John W. Valentino, Reuel F. VillaflorUndergraduatePurdue UniversitySteven A. Hogsett, Michael E. O'Dea, Norha Z. PlumeyGeorgia Institute of TechnologyDwayne P. Blaylock, Michelle L. Guzzardo, Peter G. Newby, Joseph J. Weismann
Neil E. Todreas
Charles Bathke
Donald Hurst
SurryVirginia Power CompanyNorth AnnaVirginia Power CompanyTurkey PointFlorida Power & LightCompany
Jim Schiffer Pacific Gas & Electric
Raymond L. Murray
Charles F. Jones
