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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.
John I. Sackett
Edward W. Larsen
University of Florida (First Place)University of Missouri-Rolla (Second Place)Pennsylvania State University (Third Place)Massachusetts Inst. of Technology (Honorable Mention)
Douglas C. Crawford
Bobby R. Seidel
Alan J. BlotckyDonald J. DudziakCraig F. GrochmalRobert HessGail H. MarcusKyle Turner
Small Local SectionsLong Island (Best Overall, Best Section Management)Chicago (Best Public Communication)Washington DC (Best Membership, Best Meetings and Programs)International Local SectionsJapan (Best Meetings and Programs, Best Section Management)
Brookhaven National Laboratory
Michael D. Mulheim
Ronald B. Adamson
Colette Lewiner
Bill Hogan
Edward D. FullerStanley S. HatcherMasao HoriPaul P.H. Wilson
Amares Chatt
H. Peter Planchon
John W. Landis
Bernard L. Cohen
Tawfik M. Raby
GraduateOhio StateBrent Albertson, Clark Barton, Angela Brown, Weibo Chen, Michael Perry, Michael Reed, Michael Smith, Robert WintersUndergraduateUniversity of Massachusetts-LowellPaul Cataldo, Mark NataleHonorable Mention - GraduateMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyJoseph Burns, Michael Folkert, Matthew Githens, Melissa Lambeth, Feng Li, Caroline ShinHonorable Mention - UndergraduatePennsylvania StateJen Furl, David Knepper, Paula Knepper, Chris Murray, Justin Watson
Theofanis G. Theofanous (Theo)
Weston M. Stacey, Jr.
Herbert S. Isbin
South Texas ProjectSTP Nuclear Operating CompanyVogtleSouthern Nuclear Operating Company
Buzz Carns Wolf Creek
Alvin Weinberg
Pierre J. Benoist
