§16532 Nuclear Science Talent Expansion Program for Institutions of Higher Education

Summary

Creates a program to give grants to colleges and universities so they can start or improve nuclear science degree programs and train more graduates. Up to 3 new-program expansion grants a year are allowed. Those proposals that partner with a National Laboratory or similar nuclear organization get priority. Expansion grants can last up to 5 years and pay up to $1,000,000 per year. They must show they can attract students, keep high academic standards, and give hands-on learning. Schools can use the money to hire faculty, make courses, support research partnerships, and recruit students. Up to 5 competitiveness grants a year are also available for schools with existing programs. Those can last up to 5 years and pay up to $500,000 per year. The money should help raise the number and quality of graduates who go into nuclear careers, improve advanced teaching, work with industry and labs, support reactors or labs, and give tuition help or stipends to students. Authorized funding for expansion 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). Authorized funding for competitiveness 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). Nuclear science — study of atomic nuclei and related topics. Nuclear engineering — applying nuclear science to design and systems. Nuclear chemistry — chemistry focused on radioactive elements and reactions. Radiochemistry — study and use of radioactive materials and their chemistry. Health physics — protecting people from harmful radiation.