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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 RPD
Thursday, December 2, 2021|10:00–11:45AM EST |Columbia 2
Session Chair:
Pavel V. Tsvetkov (Texas A&M Un iversity)
Session Organizer:
Alternate Chair:
Massimiliano Fratoni (University of California at Berkeley)
Student Assistant:
Erika Smith
A number of research reactors, test reactors and facilities are in operation or are being developed and built. They support important R&D programs towards current and future developments. Many of these facilities are at university campuses serving as both educational and R&D instruments. While the design space of research facilities is dominated by light water systems, the research capabilities are rapidly expanding towards advanced reactors. This panel will discuss ongoing and planned efforts involving research reactors, test reactors, and research facilities focusing on the significant opportunities offered by these systems in support of advanced reactor R&D.
Douglas Robison
Natura Resources, LLC
Rusty Towell
Abilene Christian Univ.
Steve Biegalski
Georgia Institute of Technology
Derek Haas
University of Texas at Austin
Caleb Brooks
Univ. Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Charles Forsberg
MIT
Wes Hines
Univ. of Tenn., Knoxville
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