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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
Nuclear Technology
August 2026
Fusion Science and Technology
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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.
Charles E. Till
Neil E. Todreas
University of Missouri-Rolla (First Place)University of Maryland (Second Place)Kansas State University (Third Place)University of Texas at Austin (Fourth Place)University of Wisconsin-Madison (Honorable Mention)
Charles Divona
Yousry Y. Azmy
Eugene N. Cramer
Dennis A. BitzBruce D. GuilbeaultMary Gerry WhiteNancy P. WilliamsLloyd A. Wright
Small Local SectionsLong Island (Best Overall, Best Meetings/Programs, Best Section Management)Oak Ridge/Knoxville (Best Membership)Northern Pennsylvania (Best Public Information)Northeastern, Northern Pennsylvania, Oak Ridge/Knoxville, Virginia (Meritorious Finalists)Large Local SectionsIdaho (Best Overall)
Jeffrey A. Favorite
Ersel A. Evans
Experimental Breeder Reactor II (EBRII) Nuclear Training Center (Lynchburg, Virginia)
Kimberlee J. Kearfott
Guy A. Arlotto
Richard D. Cheverton
Norman M. Schaeffer
Garman Harbottle
Jean-Claude Leny
J. Neil Rutger
Hugh K. Clark
GraduateGeorgia Institute of TechnologyB. L. Pilger, J. A. Mowrey, D. C. Norris, M. Dietsche, E. A. Hoffman, B. A. Abichedid, A. W. Anthony, M. S. Ayres, T. P. Belflower, J. D. Bohner, S. F. Caputlu, H. M. Coward, H. M. Diller, J. A. Favorite, P. T. Feir, J. S. Gustafson, N. L. Jenkins, T. L. Johnston, J. L. Martin, C. H. Nahass, D. M. Nichter, D. F. Parker, R. A. Sidwell, A. L. Turner, J. D. WartellUndergraduateUniversity of TennesseeNicholas Brown, Dave Gore, Wesley Hooper, Stephanie Newman, Scott Snowden
Virgil E. Schrock
E. Michael CampbellGennady A. KirillovRobert L. McCroryGeorge H. Miley
Andre Gauvenet
Peach BottomExelon Generating Company, LLCPilgrimEntergy Nuclear Generation CompanyBrunswick Steam Electric PlantCarolina Power & Light Company
Donald Hintz Entergy Operations
Ely M. Gelbard
Byron Lee, Jr.
