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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|Technology Research and Development
Wednesday, April 29, 2026|10:10–11:30AM EDT|Room 302/303/304
Session Chair:
David Frate
Alternate Chair:
Jaymon Birch
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Americium Radioisotope Power Systems: European Program and International Collaboration
10:10–10:30AM EDT
Richard M. Ambrosi (Perpetual Atomics Ltd), Alessandra Barco (Univ. Leicester), Ramy Mesalam (Univ. Leicester), Hannah Sargeant (Univ. Leicester), Joanna Lucas (Univ. Leicester), Emily Jane Watkinson (Univ. Leicester), Chris Bicknell (Univ. Leicester), Tony Crawford (Univ. Leicester), Rob Tute (Univ. Leicester), Kris Bell (Univ. Leicester), Gareth Bustin (Univ. Leicester), James Pearson (Univ. Leicester), Charlotte Bouldin (Univ. Leicester), Roisin Speight (Univ. Leicester), Duncan Ross (Univ. Leicester), Piers Slater (Perpetual Atomics Ltd), Pierre Coquay (ESA), Christophe Fongarland (ESA), Ana Brandao (ESA), Joe Lapinskas (QSA Global), Mark Shilton (QSA Global), Nathan Gardella (QSA Global), Matt Potenza (QSA Global), Tim Tinsley (UK NNL), Matt Cook (UK Space Agency), Meganne Christian (UK Space Agency)
Paper
NASA’s Radioisotope Power Systems Program: Status and Future Outlook
10:30–10:50AM EDT
Carl E. Sandifer II (NASA Glenn Research Center), David Frate (NASA Glenn Research Center), Lauren Clayman (NASA Glenn Research Center), Emily Hsu (Department of Energy), Allen Guzik (NASA Glenn Research Center), Kristin Jansen (NASA Glenn Research Center), Leah Sopko (NASA Glenn Research Center), Colleen Van Lear (NASA Glenn Research Center), Christofer Whiting (NASA Glenn Research Center), Ryan Edwards (NASA Glenn Research Center), Margaret Simon (Aerospace Corporation)
Reference — RPS Program Overview
Necessity of Continuing SiGe Thermoelectric Technology R&D and Robust Verification for Critical NASA Space Missions
10:50–11:10AM EDT
Rama Venkatasubramanian (Johns Hopkins APL), Jean-Pierre Fleurial (NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory), Jonathan Pierce (Johns Hopkins APL), Timothy Erickson (Johns Hopkins APL), Artur B. Chmielewski (NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory), Paul Ostdiek (Johns Hopkins APL)