§16532 Nuclear science talent expansion program for institutions of higher education

Summary

Creates a program to grow and strengthen college and university nuclear science programs. The goal is to stop the drop in programs and resources and to raise the number of graduates with nuclear science degrees, which the law says are important for U.S. competitiveness and energy security. The term "nuclear science" in the law covers: nuclear science, nuclear engineering, nuclear chemistry, radiochemistry, and health physics (each named as an area the program supports). The Secretary will give competitive grants to schools. For new degree programs, up to 3 grants a year are allowed, each up to 5 years and up to $1,000,000 per year. Priority goes to proposals that partner with a National Laboratory or similar nuclear group. Grants are judged on attracting students, academic quality, and hands-on learning, and may pay for hiring faculty, creating courses, research collaboration, and student recruiting. For existing programs, up to 5 grants a year are allowed, each up to 5 years and up to $500,000 per year. Those grants are judged on boosting the number and quality of graduates entering nuclear careers and may fund advanced teaching, industry and lab partnerships, research facilities, and tuition or stipends. Authorized funding for new-program grants: $3,500,000 (FY2008), $6,500,000 (FY2009), $9,500,000 (FY2010), $9,800,000 (FY2011), $10,100,000 (FY2012), $10,400,000 (FY2013). For existing-program grants: $3,000,000 (FY2008), $5,500,000 (FY2009), $8,000,000 (FY2010), $8,240,000 (FY2011), $8,500,000 (FY2012), $8,750,000 (FY2013).