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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 NISD
Monday, June 16, 2025|3:15–5:00PM CDT|Los Angeles
Session Chair:
Aaron Epiney
Alternate Chair:
Mihai A. Diaconeasa
Session Organizer:
Yunfei Zhao
To access paper attachments, you must be logged in and registered for the meeting.
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Application of Deep Reinforcement Learning for Emergency Operation in Nuclear Power Plant
3:15–3:35PM CDT
YooJoon Seoung (Ulsan Nat'l Institute Science and Technology), Junyong Bae (Ulsan Nat'l Institute Science and Technology), Seung Jun Lee (Ulsan Nat'l Institute Science and Technology)
Paper
LOCA Analysis of the Preliminary Fuel Concept for General Atomics Fast Modular Reactor
3:35–3:55PM CDT
Soon K. Lee (ANL), Yinbin Miao (ANL), Aaron Oaks (ANL), Shipeng Shu (ANL), Abdellatif M. Yacout (ANL), Jason Rizk (General Atomics), Oscar Gutierrez (General Atomics), Hangbok Choi (General Atomics)
Comparison of Gaussian Plume Model and Benchmark Studies for Near Field Dispersion
3:55–4:15PM CDT
Erik Hisahara (Penn State), Christopher T. Balbier (Penn State), Saya Lee (Penn State)
Elucidation on Structural Safety of Fuel-Cladding for PGSFR During DBEs
4:15–4:35PM CDT
WonSeok Ryoo (Chungang Univ.), Seo-Yoon Choi (Samsung Heavy Industries), Jaeho Jeong (Chungang Univ.)
