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Conference Spotlight
2026 Nuclear Energy Conference & Expo (NECX)
August 24–27, 2026
Dallas, TX|Hilton Anatole
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Nuclear Science and Engineering
September 2026
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August 2026
Fusion Science and Technology
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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
Monday, July 22, 2024|10:00–11:50AM CDT|Senate A/B
Session Chair:
Brian Grierson (General Atomics)
Alternate Chair:
Lauren M. Garrison (Commonwealth Fusion Systems)
Session Organizer:
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Current Status of IFMIF-DONES Project
10:00–10:25AM CDT
F. Arranz (CIEMAT), A. Ibarra (IFMIF-DONES España), F. Arbeiter (KIT), D. Bernardi (ENEA), P. Cara (F4E), W. Królas (Institute of Nuclear Physics PAN)
Paper
Presentation Slides (Visible to Attendees) — Current status of IFMIF DONES Project
Material Plasma Exposure eXperiment (MPEX) Design, Engineering, and Installation Status
10:25–10:50AM CDT
A. Hussain (ORNL), A. Aaron (ORNL), C. Deibele (ORNL), D. Curry (ORNL), J. Rapp (ORNL), M. Kaufman (ORNL), M. Ladenburger (ORNL), R. Duckworth (ORNL)
Applied Fusion Activities in Kazakhstan
10:50–11:10AM CDT
I. Kenzhina (Satbayev Univ.), T. Kulsartov (Satbayev Univ.), A. Shaimerdenov (Institute of Nuclear Physics), Y. Gordienko (Institute of Atomic Energy, Branch of NNC RK), Y. Ponkratov (Institute of Atomic Energy, Branch of NNC RK), Z. Zaurbekova (Satbayev Univ.), S. Askerbekov (Satbayev Univ.), Ye. Chikhray (Satbayev Univ.)
A Modular, Component High Heat Flux User Facility (C-HUF) to Advance the Science and Engineering of Plasma Facing Components
11:10–11:30AM CDT
Travis K Gray (ORNL), Cody S Wiggins (ORNL), Ajit Bhat (ORNL), Michael DeVinney (ORNL), Dennis L Youchison (Fusionex LLC), Larry Baylor (ORNL), Ryan DeHoff (ORNL), Tim Graening (ORNL), Paul Humrickhouse (ORNL), Michael Kirka (ORNL), Ezekiel A Unterberg (ORNL), Howard Wilson (ORNL)
Numerical Analysis of Hydrogen Isotope Thermal Desorption from Yttrium to Assess the Potential for Recovering the Hydrogen Trap of IFMIF-DONES
11:30–11:50AM CDT
S. J. Hendricks (Ciemat), M. Martinez-Guareño (Universidad de Granada), M. Sanchez-Arenillas (Ciemat), J. Molla (Ciemat)
