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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.
Vishal Patel (Ultra Safe Nuclear), Ethan Chaleff (Ultra Safe Nuclear), Jenny Gaebel (Ultra Safe Nuclear), Morgan Gulliver (Ultra Safe Nuclear), Brian Ade (Ultra Safe Nuclear), Caen Ang (Ultra Safe Nuclear), Tanek Ballachanda (Ultra Safe Nuclear), Tom Crotzer (Ultra Safe Nuclear), Jesse Dumas (Ultra Safe Nuclear), Michael Eades (Ultra Safe Nuclear), Andrew Falkowski (Ultra Safe Nuclear), Neal Gaffin (Ultra Safe Nuclear), Marcus Gage (Ultra Safe Nuclear), Gavin Garside (Ultra Safe Nuclear), Cristian Garza (Ultra Safe Nuclear), Doug Greisen (Ultra Safe Nuclear), Tom Hinklin (Ultra Safe Nuclear), Nolan MacDonald (Ultra Safe Nuclear), Andrew Minter (Ultra Safe Nuclear), Sara Pelka (Ultra Safe Nuclear), Aaron She (Ultra Safe Nuclear), Paolo Venneri (Ultra Safe Nuclear)
Proceedings | Nuclear and Emerging Technologies for Space (NETS 2024) | Santa Fe, NM, May 6-10, 2024 | Pages 359-364
