DigiDECOM’s NuclearNEXT 2026

DigiDECOM’s NuclearNEXT 2026

Building on the strong foundation of DigiDECOM conferences, NuclearNEXT 2026 is organised as a focused deep dive workshop with a dual focus.

The first focus is technical: how AI, data, robotics, Digital Twins, and physics-based modelling approaches can transition from research prototypes to deployable tools supporting safety, efficiency, sustainability, and preparedness in nuclear and other safety-critical environments. This includes lifecycle applications across nuclear and radiological facilities, with strong relevance for decommissioning, lifecycle management, and other complex operational situations.

The second focus is strategic and timely in the Norwegian context: ongoing national developments related to potential future use of nuclear power in Norway. By the time of the event, the public hearing of the report from the national nuclear committee is expected to be concluded. The workshop will therefore provide an opportunity to discuss implications, competence needs, technology perspectives, and collaboration opportunities relevant for different stakeholder groups including research organisations, industry, authorities, technology developers, competence-building actors, and potential end users.

Relevant perspectives related to closing the nuclear fuel cycle, waste management, and emerging applications such as nuclear power for shipping will also be addressed as part of the programme.

Compared to previous editions, NuclearNEXT 2026 will place increased emphasis on interactive discussion sessions, enabling deeper exchange between technical experts, strategic stakeholders, and potential users of advanced digital solutions.Organizing Partners: DigiDECOM’s NuclearNEXT 2025 is the latest edition of the DigiDECOM conference series organized under IFE’s designation as anIAEA Collaborating Centre. The event will be co-organized with theOECD NEA,the Halden HTO Project, theNorwegian Nuclear Research Centre, theNorwegian Nuclear Association and other distinguished partners.

Main Focus Area

• AI, data, and robotics applications in nuclear and safety-critical industries.

• Digital Twins for lifecycle planning and operational support decision support for decommissioning and end-of-life planning.

• Human-Technology-Organisation (HTO) aspects of advanced digital tools validation and qualification of digital tools in regulated environments
• Robotics-enabled inspection and characterisation integration of modelling and operational workflows, preparedness for unexpected operational situations
• Closing the nuclear fuel cycle nuclear logistics and fuel cycle considerations
• Nuclear power applications for shipping and maritime transport
• Competence needs related to potential future nuclear deployment in Norway collaboration opportunities across research, industry, and authorities
• High-level perspectives related to national nuclear programmes
• International recommendations relevant for national nuclear programme development
• Interactive discussion sessions addressing strategic and technical questions related to deployment of nuclear technologies and advanced digital tools
• Cross-sector applicability to other safety-critical industries.

The Event Will Feature:

A dual-focus programme combining technical deep dives and strategic discussion.

Technical deep dives on AI, data, robotics, Digital Twins, and physics-based modelling approaches for nuclear and other safety-critical sectors.

Discussion of how advanced digital tools can move from prototype stage towards deployable and maintainable solutions in regulated environments.

Human-Technology-Organisation (HTO) perspectives addressing interaction between technology, people, and organisational processes.

Perspectives on stakeholder engagement and social acceptance related to nuclear technologies.

Updates from relevant European initiatives including Euratom projects and other joint international developments.

Perspectives from international organisations, research institutes, industry, authorities, and end users.

A timely deep dive into the ongoing national developments in Norway related to potential future use of nuclear power.

Discussion of what these developments may mean for different stakeholders, including competence needs, collaboration opportunities, and possible roles for research organisations, industry, authorities, and technical environments.

Programme elements addressing lifecycle aspects, including decommissioning, waste management, and closing the nuclear fuel cycle.

Perspectives on emerging applications including nuclear power for shipping and maritime transport.

A single-track format supporting joint discussion across disciplines and organisations.

Dedicated interactive discussion sessions, with increased focus compared to previous editions, enabling structured exchange of perspectives between experts, decision makers, technology developers, and potential users.

Exchange of experience relevant for innovation ecosystems supporting safe and sustainable nuclear technologies.

Demonstrations

Relevant technologies and methods: demonstrations of HADRON Lab approaches combining AI, robotics, nuclear modelling, and Digital Twins.

Demonstrations of VRdose Nova supporting simulation-based planning, optimisation, and decision support.

Examples and insights from European projects including DORADO, XS-Ability, and GUARDIANS.

Demonstrations and presentations of relevant tools, use cases, and applications from partners and contributors.

Opportunities to showcase your company & technology

We invite partners and contributors to participate in DigiDECOM’s NuclearNEXT 2025 to:

✅ Showcase your innovations to a global audience.

✅ Contribute to the event through interactive sessions & technical discussions.

✅ Gain visibility within the international nuclear and safety-critical industries.

📩 Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact us at digidecom@ife.no.

Contributions

Proposals for presentations, demonstrations, or other contributions may be sent to the contact persons listed on this page.

Call for Abstracts: (TBC) Plase submit an abstract using our Abstract Template.

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✈️ Travel Guide to DigiDECOM’s NuclearNEXT 2026

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