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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
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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.
Since 1911, PowerLabs has continually provided customers quality calibrations and testing. First established under the Philadelphia Electric Company’s testing section, we have since grown and expanded our laboratory capabilities not only in metrology but in testing and analysis over the last half century. Today, PowerLabs is the primary calibration and testing laboratory for Constellation. We have labs strategically located from the upper-Midwest to the Northeast to better support the urgent demands of quality driven industries.
We maintain both A2LA Accreditations for ISO 17025 calibrations and Appendix B calibrations, assuring our technical competence as a laboratory. Many of the listed parameters and ranges here are accredited. Please see our Scope of Accreditation for each of our sites on our website. As an Approved Nuclear Supplier, we adhere to strict code requirements including 10 CFR 50, Appendix B, NQA-1 and ANSI N45.2. These guidelines are the basis for which we have built our Quality Program.
www.constellation.com