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Conference Spotlight
2026 Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
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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.
1:00–2:45PM PDT
Palm D|Markets, Financing, and Economics
Session Chair: Ben Lindley|Alternate Chair: W. Neal Mann
Palm C|Nuclear Power Plants
Session Chair: Jacopo Buongiorno|Alternate Chair: Ling Zou
Palm H|Thermal Hydraulics Analysis and Testing
Session Chair: Katrina Sweetland|Alternate Chair: Mauricio E. Tano
3:15–5:00PM PDT
Panel|Palm D|Markets, Financing, and Economics
Session Chair: Nicolas E. Stauff|Alternate Chair: Abdalla Abou-Jaoude
Session Chair: Jacopo Buongiorno|Alternate Chair: Angel Vasquez
Session Chair: Rui Hu|Alternate Chairs: Mauricio E. Tano, Palash K. Bhowmik
10:00–11:45AM PDT
Palm D|Plant Safety, Regulations, and Licensing
Session Chair: Egemen Aras|Alternate Chair: Mihai A. Diaconeasa
Palm C|Reactors for Heat and Combined Heat and Power
Session Chair: Aaron S. Epiney|Alternate Chair: Iza Lantgios
Session Chair: Izabela Gutowska|Alternate Chair: Eric Cervi
Session Chair: Mostafa Hamza|Alternate Chair: Mihai A. Diaconeasa
Session Chair: Aaron S. Epiney|Alternate Chair: Logan Williams
Session Chair: Alex Grannan|Alternate Chair: Eric Cervi
Session Chair: Daniel Sluder|Alternate Chair: Mihai A. Diaconeasa
Palm C|Portable and Propulsion Reactors
Session Chair: Katrina Sweetland|Alternate Chair: Rei Kimura
Session Chair: Zhiee Ooi|Alternate Chair: Thanh Hua
Palm D|Operation, Performance and Reliability Management
Session Chair: Melanie Joseph|Alternate Chair: Temi Adeyeye
Palm C|Reactor Physics and Analysis
Session Chair: Pavel V. Tsvetkov|Alternate Chair: Thabit Abuqudaira
Session Chair: Ketan Ajay|Alternate Chair: Alex Grannan
Palm C|Fuel Cycle and Waste Management
Session Chair: Amanda Bachmann|Alternate Chair: Kathryn Mummah
Session Chair: Thanh Hua|Alternate Chair: Mauricio E. Tano
Palm D|Fuels, Materials, and Structures
Session Chair: Ian Ferguson|Alternate Chair: Spencer Doran
Palm C|Innovative Manufacturing and Construction
Session Chair: Chandrakanth Bolisetti|Alternate Chair: Aydin Karahan
Session Chair: Dave Grabaskas|Alternate Chair: Rachel Thomas
