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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.
10:20AM–12:00PM PDT
Seaport
Session Chair: Davide Bortot|Alternate Chair: Seiki Ohnishi
Harbor
Session Chair: Bor Kos|Alternate Chair: Iole Palermo
Grand Pacific D
Session Chair: Leigh Smith|Alternate Chair: Chris Perfetti
1:10–3:15PM PDT
Session Chair: Davide Mazzucconi|Alternate Chair: Georgeta Radulescu
Session Chair: Douglas Di Julio|Alternate Chair: Stephane Bourganel
Session Chair: Chelsea D'Angelo|Alternate Chair: Matthew Smith
3:45–5:50PM PDT
Session Chair: Tanja Goričanec|Alternate Chair: Pedro Vaz
Session Chair: Madison Andrews|Alternate Chair: Douglas Peplow
Session Chair: Chang-ho Shin|Alternate Chair: Kim Tuyet Tran
10:00AM–12:05PM PDT
Session Chair: Hideo Hirayama|Alternate Chair: Maha Bouhadida
Session Chair: Heinz Vincke|Alternate Chair: Shaheen Dewji
1:15–3:20PM PDT
Session Chair: Andrew Rosenstrom|Alternate Chair: Sandra Bogetic
Session Chair: Anna Ferrari|Alternate Chair: Kyle Grammer
3:50–5:55PM PDT
Session Chair: Carmen Jacobs|Alternate Chair: Robert E. Grove
Session Chair: Martin Schulc|Alternate Chair: Amir Bahadori
Session Chair: Kumar Mohindroo|Alternate Chair: Lawrence Heilbronn
Session Chair: Jeffrey A. Favorite|Alternate Chair: John Bess
Session Chair: Tucker Mclannahan|Alternate Chair: Irina I. Popova
Session Chair: Yurdunaz Celik|Alternate Chair: Jason Haverkamp
Session Chair: Nam-Suk Jung|Alternate Chair: Randy Schwarz
Session Chair: Mathieu Dupont|Alternate Chair: Robert E. Grove
Session Chair: Lukas Zvorka|Alternate Chair: Thomas M. Miller
Session Chair: Chikara Konno|Alternate Chair: Jeff Favorite
Session Chair: Kristel Ghoos|Alternate Chair: Daniela Ene
Session Chair: Ethan A. Asano|Alternate Chair: Ahmad Ibrahim
Session Chair: Amalia Chambon|Alternate Chair: Davide Bozzato
Session Chair: Odile Petit|Alternate Chair: Yi-Kang Lee
