The University Reactor Sharing and Outreach (RS&O) Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) will support universities and colleges with nuclear research reactors to share resources and capabilities with the community to increase nuclear science, engineering, and technology awareness.
This may
include educational institutions without research reactors-, such as universities, colleges, K-12, vocational schools, community colleges, and others.
The objectives of this RS&O FOA are to:
(1) Strengthen nuclear science and engineering instruction in the curricula of colleges and universities that do not own research reactors (hereby referred to as “User Institutions”); (2) Increase opportunities for collaboration among faculty and students on nuclear science and engineering; (3) Improve public awareness and understanding of nuclear science, engineering, and technology through research reactor visits and other outreach opportunities; and (4) Engage with underrepresented communities to promote nuclear science, engineering, and technology to educate and recruit the next generation nuclear energy workforce.
Examples of activities of interest for this FOA could include nuclear science laboratories to supplement nuclear engineering, physics, or chemistry courses; tours for classes and student groups; science teacher workshops in nuclear science; or other activities that share one institution’s research reactor infrastructure with other communities or educational institutions.
University research reactors could also be used as versatile neutron sources and in specialized research projects.
By increasing access to these facilities among colleges and universities, there is a potential for collaboration and cross-pollination in education and research opportunities for pre-college, undergraduate, and graduate students, as well as university faculty members.
During fiscal year (FY) 2024, the Department of Energy (DOE) anticipates that approximately $1,000,000 will be available for this FOA.
Universities and colleges with nuclear research reactor(s) are hereby referred to as “Host Institutions” in this FOA.