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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.
Sunday, June 12, 2022|2:00–5:00PM PDT
Avila B
Summary Paragraph: UNF-ST&DARDS is being developed to provide the ability to perform automated analysis of spent fuel storage and transportation systems. One of the key capabilities of UNF-ST&DARDS is to perform criticality analysis of dry casks. UNF-ST&DARDS allows for modelling the variation of cask payload burnup enrichments and cooling times through a flexible GUI. Users can also modify, neutron absorber loadings, water soluble boron concentrations, and fuel and canister dimensions for fresh and spent fuel. This demonstration will show users how to perform criticality analysis for casks using templates and graphical user interface. Attendees have no requirements to watch the demonstrate, however, an RSICC license for UNF-ST&DARDS and SCALE is necessary if they would like to follow along.
