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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|Policy, Regulations, Safety, and Security
Wednesday, April 29, 2026|8:00–9:20AM EDT|Room 306
Session Chair:
Catrina Melograna
Alternate Chair:
Alex Gilbert
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Aligning Legal Frameworks With Technological Progress: Modernizing Governance of Nuclear Power Sources in Space
8:00–8:20AM EDT
Zsófia Biró (University of Pécs)
Presented by Alex Gilbert (Zeno Power)
Paper
Launch Vehicle Safety Considerations for Space Nuclear Missions
8:20–8:40AM EDT
Annette M.E. Parks (Zeno Power), Jaclyn Wiley (Zeno Power), Alexander Q. Gilbert (Zeno Power)
A Principles‑Based Liability, Insurance, and Indemnification Architecture for Commercial Space Nuclear Missions
8:40–9:00AM EDT
Alexander Gilbert (Zeno Power Systems), Harsh S. Desai (Zeno Power Systems)
Radiological Consequences Assessment for Safety Analyses of Future Space Missions with Nuclear Power Source
9:00–9:20AM EDT
Ludovit Liptak (ABmerit Ltd. - nuclear and space), Michal Marcisovsky (ABmerit Ltd. - nuclear and space), Maria Marcisovska (ABmerit Ltd. - nuclear and space), Peter Carny (ABmerit Ltd. - nuclear and space), Eva Fojcikova (ABmerit Ltd.-nuclear and space)
