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Conference Spotlight
2026 Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
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Jul 2026
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2026
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Nuclear Science and Engineering
September 2026
Nuclear Technology
August 2026
Fusion Science and Technology
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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.
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Perpetual Atomics is a space nuclear power, space science and exploration company and a spinout from the University of Leicester, which has been pioneering and leading the development of americium power technologies since 2010. Perpetual Atomics is commercialising and expanding the use of americium based space nuclear power systems. Perpetual Atomics builds sustainable nuclear power solutions for extreme environments with direct benefits for the Earth-Moon ecosystem. Currently the only company globally that has a radioisotope power system in the form of an americium radioisotope heater unit based on a manifested space mission. With extensive nuclear and space sector expertise, a broad set of national and international partners and location in world class facilities at Space Park Leicester, the Perpetual Atomics team is uniquely placed to work across the whole vertical from fuel form to, power systems, missions and applications.
