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Conference Spotlight
2026 Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
Latest Magazine Issues
Jul 2026
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2026
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Nuclear Science and Engineering
September 2026
Nuclear Technology
August 2026
Fusion Science and Technology
Latest News
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
Dr. John G. Gilligan
Jerry E. Hicks
Dr. Florent Heidet
Dr. Siegfried S. HeckerSen. Richard G. LugarSen. Samuel A. Nunn, Jr.
Prof. Jacopo BuongiornoProf. Sara A. PozziProf. Poong Hyun SeongDr. Richard WoodDr. Brian N. AvilesDr. Guillermo Daniel Del CulProf. Ronald M. GilgenbachMr. Donald R. HoffmanDr. Seungjin KimDr. Stephen P. SchultzDr. Brian D. Wirth
University of Wisconsin – Madison Student Section (Best Section)Texas A&M University – Kingsville (2nd Runner Up)University of Florida Student Section (2nd Runner Up)University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Student Section (Honorable Mention)
Dr. Yang Zhang
James L. Conca
Dr. William Burchill
Mr. Kazuaki Matsui
Dr. Ruth F. Weiner
Small Local SectionsWashington, DC (Best Membership)Michigan-Ohio (Best Meetings and Programs)Wilmington (Best Public Information)Oak Ridge/Knoxville (Best Section Management)Large Local SectionsSavannah River (Best Overall)
Dr. Joseph NaserMr. Ted Quinn
Mr. Timothy P. Burke
Prof. Gary S. Was
Radiochemical Processing Laboratory (PNNL)Radiochemical Engineering Development Center (ORNL)
NURETH-17Dominique BestionFrancesco D’AuriaNam Dinh
Kathryn D. Huff
Dr. Jim E. Morel
Mr. Joshua FreedMs. Rachel PritzkerMs. Vanice PerinMr. John KotekDr. Nermin UckanDr. Nicholas TsoulfanidisSteve Arndt
Dr. Jamie Coble
Prof. Lawrence W. Townsend
Bruce Bingman
Dr. Kimberlee Jane Kearfott
Miles O'Brien
Dr. Robert Einziger
Mr. William D. Magwood
Dr. Abraham Weitzberg
GraduateUniversity of Michigan: Two-stage Cargo Scanning using Active InterrogationKris Ogren, Felicia Sutanto, Valerie Nwadeyi, Adam WithersColorado School of Mines: Proliferation Resistant 1 GWe Molten Salt Nuclear Reactor (PRMSR)Matthew Urban, Russell Jarmer, Francesca MallettUndergraduateUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison: Conceptual Design for a Molten Salt Test ReactorBrandon Little, Calvin Parkin, Ken ZanderMassachusetts Institute of Technology: RadLock: Radiation Smart SafeCaroline Colbert, Alexandra Delmore, Jonathan Morrell, Luisa Kenausis
Cecil V. ParksStephen M. BowmanBradley T. Rearden
R. Paul DrakeVladimir Tikhonchuk
Bill T. Williamson
Mr. William D. Magwood IV
Dr. Nam Zin Cho
Shikha Prasad
Mr. Tom Miller
