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42 U.S. Code § 16274. Nuclear science and engineering support
(a) University nuclear science and engineering support
(1) In general
The Secretary shall conduct a program to invest in human resources and infrastructure in the nuclear sciences and related fields, including health physics, nuclear engineering, and radiochemistry, consistent with missions of the Department related to civilian nuclear research, development, demonstration, and commercial application.
(2) RequirementsIn carrying out the program under this subsection, the Secretary shall—
(A)
conduct a graduate and undergraduate fellowship program to attract new and talented students, which may include fellowships for students to spend time at National Laboratories in the areas of nuclear science, engineering, and health physics with a member of the National Laboratory staff acting as a mentor;
(B)
conduct a junior faculty research initiation grant program to assist universities in recruiting and retaining new faculty in the nuclear sciences and engineering by awarding grants to junior faculty for research on issues related to nuclear energy engineering and science;
(C)
support fundamental nuclear sciences, engineering, and health physics research through a nuclear engineering education and research program;
(D)
promote collaborations, partnerships, and knowledge sharing between institutions of higher education, National Laboratories, other Federal agencies, industry, and associated labor unions; and
(E)
support communication and outreach related to nuclear science, engineering, and health physics.
(3) University-National Laboratory interactionsThe Secretary shall conduct—
(A)
a fellowship program for professors at universities to spend sabbaticals at National Laboratories in the areas of nuclear science and technology; and
(B)
a visiting scientist program in which National Laboratory staff can spend time in academic nuclear science and engineering departments.
(4) Strengthening university research and training reactors and associated infrastructure
(A)In general.—In carrying out the program under this subsection, the Secretary may support—
(i)
converting research reactors from high-enrichment fuels to low-enrichment fuels and upgrading operational instrumentation;
(ii)
revitalizing and upgrading existing nuclear science and engineering infrastructure that support the development of advanced nuclear technologies and applications;
(iii) regional or subregional university-led consortia to—
(I)
broaden access to university research reactors;
(II)
enhance existing university-based nuclear science and engineering infrastructure; and
(III)
provide project management, technical support, quality engineering and inspections, manufacturing, and nuclear material support;
(iv)
student training programs, in collaboration with the United States nuclear industry, in relicensing and upgrading reactors, including through the provision of technical assistance; and
(v)
reactor improvements that emphasize research, training, and education, including through the Innovations in Nuclear Infrastructure and Education Program or any similar program.
(B)
Of any amounts appropriated to carry out the program under this subsection, there is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary to carry out clauses (ii) and (iii) of subparagraph (A) $55,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2023 through 2027.