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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
Honors and Awards Program
Michael L. Corradini
Rob Frost
University of Wisconsin - Madison (Best Section)Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (Honorable Mention)
W. David Pointer
Candace Davison
Dr. Hans K. Fauske
Leonard J. Koch
Small Local SectionsNortheastern New York Local Section (Best Membership)Connecticut Local Section (Best Meetings and Programs, Best Section Management)Trinity Local Section (Best Public Information)Large Local SectionsSavannah River Local Section (Best Meetings and Programs)Idaho Local Section (Best Public Information, Best Membership, Best Section Management)
Ronald Allen Knief
Oszvald Glockler
Dr. Kyoung O. Lee
Lance L. Snead
Susana Reyes
Akio Sagara
Meredith J. AngwinSrikumar BanerjeeNuclear Engineering Department U. C. BerkeleyJacques BouchardJames O. Ellis Jr.Benjamin HoltzmanShreyans Kumar JainSharon KerrickSalomon LevyWilliam D. Magwood IVBrett D. RampalHoward C. Shaffer IIIKristine L. Svinicki
Richard E. Faw
Terry Kammash
Aris S. Candris
Margaret E. Harding
Patricia A. SchroederElizabeth Briggs Johnson (posthumously)
GraduateMichiganSteven Brown, Alexis Kaplan, and Joseph KarbowskiUndergraduateUniversity of Wisconsin-MadisonAidan Boyle, Mary Alice Cusentino, Matthew King, and Amanda LangTexas A&M UniversityChristopher Chance, Steven Smiley, James Tutt, and Christopher WeberMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyRuaridh R. MacDonald, Alex Salazar, Derek A. Sutherland, and Aditi Verma
Hisashi Ninokata
Steve Clement
William E. Vesely
North Anna Power Station Dominion Virginia Power
Keith Moser (Exelon Corporation)
Elia Merzari
Thermal Hydraulics Division