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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.
Technical Session|Sponsored by IRD|Cosponsored by THD
Monday, June 16, 2025|1:00–2:45PM CDT|Lincolnshire 1/2
Session Chair:
Carol Sizemore (ORNL)
Alternate Chair:
Dhongik Yoon (ANL)
Session Organizer:
Erik Wilson (ANL)
Track Organizer:
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Progress on LEU U-10Mo Fuel Element Design, Testing, and Safety Analysis for Conversion of U.S. High Performance Research Reactors
1:00–1:20PM CDT
Kyle E. Anderson (ANL), Erik H. Wilson (ANL), Lin-Wen Hu (MIT), Maria Pinilla (Univ. Missouri Research Reactor), Abudullah Weiss (Nat'l Institute of Standards & Technology), Dhongik S. Yoon (ANL), John A. Stillman (ANL), Valerio Mascolino (ANL), Firat Cetinbas (ANL), Andrew S. Hebden (ANL)
Paper
Concepts for a High-Power Thermal Test Reactor Using LEU Fuel
1:20–1:40PM CDT
Michael Worrall (INL), Matthew Johnson (INL), Brandon H. Harroff (MPR Assoc.)
Presented by Jad Jaber (MPR Assoc.)
Advanced Test Reactor Low Enriched Uranium U-10Mo Element Test Campaign
1:40–2:00PM CDT
Bryon J. Curnutt (INL), Eric Woolstenhulme (INL), Jad Jaber (MPR Assoc.)
Research and Test Reactor Conversion Analysis Software and Verification Under NQA-1
2:00–2:20PM CDT
Justin W. Thomas (ANL), Walid Mohamed (ANL), Aurelien X. Bergeron (ANL), Erik H. Wilson (ANL)
Safety and Performance Evaluation of a Proposed Low-Power Irradiation of an LEU Fuel Element in the MITR Fission Converter Experimental Facility
2:20–2:40PM CDT
Caroline J. Sears (MIT), Lin-Wen Hu (MIT), Benoit Forget (MIT), Kyle E. Anderson (ANL), Valerio Mascolino (ANL), Tyler S. Sumner (ANL), Se Ro Yang (ANL), Erik H. Wilson (ANL)