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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.
Nuclear Plant Instrumentation and Control & Human-Machine Interface Technology (NPIC&HMIT 2025)
Technical Session
Tuesday, June 17, 2025|1:00–2:45PM CDT|Chicago Ballroom H
Session Chair:
Fan Zhang
Alternate Chair:
Antonio Di Buono
Session Organizer:
Hyun Gook Kang
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Performing Cybersecurity Audits Alongside Digital Instrumentation and Controls Licensing Reviews
1:00–1:20PM CDT
Eric Lee (US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (Retired)), Anya Kim (U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission)
Presented by Kim Lawson-Jenkins (NRC)
Paper
Cybersecurity by Design Framework for Wireless Technologies for Safety Functions of Advanced Reactors
1:20–1:40PM CDT
Michael T. Rowland (Sandia), Sheryl I. Drake (Sandia), Minami A. Tanaka (Sandia), John Sladek (CNSC), Ismael Garcia (U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission), Rodney Busquim e Silva (IAEA)
Radio Jamming of the Digital Communication Protocols 802.15.4 and WirelessHart
1:40–2:00PM CDT
Michael Breza (Imperial College London), Antonio DiBuono (National Nuclear Laboratory), Julie McCann (Imperial College London)
Wireless Technologies Cybersecurity Evaluation and Testing Framework for Safety Functions
2:00–2:20PM CDT
Michael T. Rowland (Sandia), Sheryl I. Drake (Sandia), Minami A. Tanaka (Sandia), Benjamin Karch (Sandia)
New IEC Technical Report 63486 on Cybersecurity Risk Management at Nuclear Facilities
2:20–2:40PM CDT
Michael T. Rowland (Sandia), Edward L. Quinn (Paragon Energy Solutions), John Sladek (CNSC)
