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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.
You can request Professional Development Hours (PDH) for your participation in NETS 2026. Requests must be received by October 31, 2026. Email askanything@ans.org with “Professional Development Hours (PDHs)” as your subject line and provide:
A certificate will be emailed to you within 45 days following receipt of the request.
PDHs that are earned from ANS conferences may fulfill the PDH requirement for Certified Nuclear Professional (CNP) certification or recertification.
Last modified April 24, 2026, 1:37pm EDT
