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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|Sponsored by NCSD
Wednesday, November 15, 2023|10:00–11:45AM EST|Columbia 11
Session Chair:
James S. Baker
Session Organizer:
Alternate Chair:
Michael A. Fendler
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Deviations from Criticality Accident Alarm System (CAAS) Requirements in Operational Facilities
10:00–10:20AM EST
David Kirkwood (Sellafield), Amy van der Vyver (Sellafield)
Paper
Demonstrating Adequate CAAS Coverage for GNF-A Fuel Facility at 8 wt.% 235U
10:20–10:40AM EST
James Banfield (Global Nuclear Fuel), Qi Ao (Boston Government Services), Lon Paulson (Global Nuclear Fuel)
Presentation Slides (Visible to Attendees)
Application of the ANSI/ANS-8.3-2022 Minimum Accident to Tube Vault Storage
10:40–11:00AM EST
Michael MacDonald (Consolidated Nuclear Security), Timothy Jackson (Consolidated Nuclear Security)
Experimental Testing of Personal Dosimetry Interference from a Portable X-ray Generator
11:00–11:20AM EST
Timothy Jackson (Y-12 National Security Complex), Jeff Preston (Y-12 National Security Complex), Nathaniel Johnson (Y-12 National Security Complex), Michael Macdonald (Y-12 National Security Complex)