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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
Wednesday, June 14, 2023|1:00–2:45PM EDT|Florida/Illinois
Session Chair:
Theresa E. Cutler
Alternate Chair:
Brittany M. Williamson
Session Organizer:
Joseph A. Christensen
Implementation of changes in the U.S. nuclear fuel cycle for emerging needs such as high-assay low-enriched uranium, advanced fuel types, advanced medical isotopes, and plutonium processing will require new facilities and their associated processes and equipment. Integration of nuclear criticality safety (NCS) principles, limits, and controls should be incorporated early in the design process. This session will include papers which address the new strategies which may be employed to integrate NCS into the design process, operating experience and lessons learned from past design projects, and the associated risks and challenges faced by NCS practitioners during the design processes
Joseph Christensen
SHINE Medical Technologies
Brittany Williamson
Spectra Tech/SRNS
Amber Dotzler
SHINE Technologies
Lon Paulson
GE Hitachi/Global Nuclear Fuel-Americas