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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.
Plenary Session
Tuesday, June 17, 2025|8:00–9:45AM CDT|Grand Ballroom I
Click on a photo to view the speaker's bio (if available)
ANS President
Moderator
This panel will provide a fresh perspective on how innovation in reactor construction, artificial intelligence, fusion applications, and workforce development is challenging traditional assumptions in nuclear energy. By bringing together experts from across sectors, we’ll explore what’s next for an industry in flux and what these disruptions mean for its future.
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