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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|2:00–3:20PM EDT|Room 302/303/304
Session Chair:
Daniel Kelly
Alternate Chair:
Ramy Mesalam
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Americium-Fuelled Radioisotope Stirling Generator Elegant Breadboard
2:00–2:20PM EDT
Kris Bell (Univ. Leicester), Ernestina Wozniak (NASA Glenn Research Center), Rob Tute (Univ. Leicester), Ramy Mesalam (Univ. Leicester), Salvatore Oriti (NASA Glenn Research Center), Matthew Stang (NASA Glenn Research Center), Tony Crawford (Univ. Leicester), Hannah Sargeant (Univ. Leicester), Alessandra Barco (Univ. Leicester), Emily Jane Watkinson (Univ. Leicester), Richard Ambrosi (Univ. Leicester), Jo Lucas (Univ. Leicester)
Paper
Americium-Fuelled Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator Developments
2:20–2:40PM EDT
Robert Tute (Univ. Leicester), Ramy Mesalam (Univ. Leicester), Kris Bell (Univ. Leicester), Tony Crawford (Univ. Leicester), Chris Bicknell (Univ. Leicester), Alessandra Barco (Univ. Leicester), Emily Jane Watkinson (Univ. Leicester), Hannah Sargeant (Univ. Leicester), Richard Ambrosi (Univ. Leicester)
Americium-Fuelled Radioisotope Heater Unit Develpoments
2:40–3:00PM EDT
Ramy Mesalam (Univ. Leicester), Robert Tute (Univ. Leicester), Kris Bell (Univ. Leicester), Alessandra Barco (Univ. Leicester), Tony Crawford (Univ. Leicester), Hannah Sargeant (Univ. Leicester), Emily Jane Watkinson (Univ. Leicester), Richard Ambrosi (Univ. Leicester), Jo Lucas (Univ. Leicester)
