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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
Monday, June 17, 2024|1:00–2:45PM PDT|Jasmine D
Session Chair:
John H. Jackson (INL)
Alternate Chair:
Massimiliano Fratoni
Session Organizer:
Abdalla Abou-Jaoude (INL)
The MARVEL reactor demonstration is proceeding to deployment with manufacturing underway on long-lead items. This panel will provide a status update on the overall project along with an overview of the TREX-C facility (TREAT Reactor Experiment Cell). A discussion of the safety review for MARVEL, including hazard evaluation will be provided. Additionally an overview of the MARVEL utilization plan will be presented to highlight how MARVEL can be leveraged as a testbed for future users.
Justin Johnson
INL
Travis King
MW Patterson
Abdalla Abou-Jaoude
