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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.
To add or remove a session from your itinerary, please check the circle to the left of its title.
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Session Chair: Patrick Walther
Friday, April 9, 2021|2:30–4:30PM EDT
Session Chair: Cao Da
Friday, April 9, 2021|11:00AM–12:30PM EDT
Session Chair: Brian Andersen
Friday, April 9, 2021|5:30–6:15PM EDT
Session Chair: Arsen Iskhakov
Saturday, April 10, 2021|11:00AM–12:00PM EDT
Saturday, April 10, 2021|4:30–5:15PM EDT
Session Chair: Lakshitha Kaleyanda
Session Chair: Grigorios Delipei
Session Chair: Palash Kumar Bhowmik
Session Chair: Khadija Mahbuba
Session Chair: Roberto Fairhurst-Agosta
Session Chair: Joshua Hoffman
Session Chair: Ni Kan
Session Chair: Jake Mitstifer
Saturday, April 10, 2021|2:00–3:30PM EDT
Session Chair: Chaitee Godbole
Session Chair: Bryant Kanies
Session Chair: Andy Rivas
Session Chair: Grayson Gall
Session Chair: Amanda Bachmann
Panel|Session Chair: Shannon M. Bragg-Sitton
Thursday, April 8, 2021|2:00–3:00PM EDT
Panel|Session Chair: Ishita Trivedi
Panel|Session Chair: Elizabeth S. Sooby
Panel|Session Chair: Eric Meyer
Friday, April 9, 2021|1:30–2:30PM EDT
Panel|Session Chair: Mary Lou Dunzik-Gougar
Panel|Session Chair: Robert B. Hayes
Panel|Session Chair: Steven Shannon
Panel|Session Chair: Harsh S. Desai
Panel|Session Chair: Jason Hou
Saturday, April 10, 2021|1:00–2:00PM EDT
Panel|Session Chair: Amanda M. Bachmann
Session Chair: Ghada Shkoukani
Session Chair: David Holler
Session Chair: Kelley M. Verner
Thursday, April 8, 2021|6:00–7:30PM EDT
Session Chair: Ishita Trivedi
Saturday, April 10, 2021|12:00–1:00PM EDT
Session Chair: Yuqiao Joy Fan
Session Chair: Halil Ibrahim San
