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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|Panel|Sponsored by MCD
Wednesday, December 1, 2021|2:35–4:00PM EST |Columbia 3
Session Chair:
Madicken Munk (Univ. of Ill., Urbana-Champaign)
Alternate Chair:
Brian C. Kiedrowski
Session Organizer:
Tara M. Pandya
Student Assistant:
Ethan Krammer
Topic: When research goes wrong, turn the table or ditch? This roundtable discussion will delve into the topic of how, what, when, and why to proceed from failed research in the nuclear mathematics and computational community. Do you pivot, ditch it all, or turn it all around? Also, how is failure currently perceived in the MCD community especially when it comes to publishing? Has this changed from the past and will it change going forward? These are just some of the questions that will be explored. Personal anecdotes and experiences will be shared from a panel of speakers as well as the audience.
Gregory Davidson
ORNL
Kendra Long
LANL
Jean Ragusa
Texas A&M Univ.
Leslie Kirby
Idaho State Univ.
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