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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|Panel|Sponsored by NCSD
Monday, June 12, 2023|3:15–5:00PM EDT|Florida/Illinois
Session Chair:
Deborah A. Hill
Session Organizer:
Alternate Chair:
Benjamin Martin
Fundamental to the successful operation of any nuclear site is a first-class safety culture that strives to continually improve in response to good industry practices and operating experience feedback. Following some anecdotal evidence on both the importance but also the challenges of sharing learning, some information will be provided on an international effort to develop a Criticality Safety "Learning From Experience" (LFE) database. Audience members will be provided with the opportunity to feedback on the database and shape its future development.
Deborah Hill
UK NNL
Doug Bowen
ORNL
John Miller
SNL