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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.
Award Recipient Photos
Noel R. Corngold
Robert E. Wilson
John W. Landis
University of Wisconsin-Madison (Best Section)Texas A&M University (Honorable Mention)
Clyde R. Ward
Jeremy T. Busby
Chauncey Starr
Small Local SectionsOak Ridge/Knoxville (Best Membership)Virginia (Best Meetings and Programs)Virginia (Best Public Information and Education)Oak Ridge/Knoxville (Best Section Management)Large Local SectionsIdaho (Best Overall)
Xiaogang Han
Donald R. Orlander
Experimental Fast Reactor JOYO Oak Ridge Electron Linear Accelerator (ORELA) Reactor F-1
Nancy M. Larson
Said Abdel-Khalik
Robert D. BuschJeffrey ClayKevin CookNils J. DiazJonathan EpsteinThomas J. HironsPeter B. LyonsCitizens for Nuclear Technology Awareness (CNTA) & James M. (Mal) McKibben, Executive DirectorEdward L. (Ted) QuinnKristine L. SvinickiLoyd A. Wright
Gunter H.R. Kegel
William T. Sha
C. Paul Robinson
Chien Chang (Johnny) Lin
Robert J. Budnitz
GraduateUniversity Of California - BerkeleyM. Fratoni, Lance Kim, Sara Mattafirri, Robert PetroskiUniversity of Texas at AustinScott Whitney, Derek Haas, Kevin Jackman, Emilio Alvarez, Stephen WilsonUndergraduateUniversity of California - BerkeleyMartin Robel, Lydia Im, H. Kim, Paul Monasterio, Robert Petroski, Adam Tan, Beth Ellen RosenbergPenn State UniversityA. S. Bielen, M. J. Meholic, D.J. Skilone
Fan-Bill Cheung
David Heinrichs
Joseph A. Murphy
Beaver Valley Power StationFirstEnergyLimerick Generating StationExelon
Scotty Hinnant Progress Energy
William Cavanaugh, III
