WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today strengthened its commitment to advancing nuclear power by awarding $100,000 to 38 universities to enhance nuclear research and development (R&D) under President Bush’s Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP).  The one-time GNEP University Readiness awards total $3.8 million in funding and will include upgrading laboratories; improving reactor facilities; purchasing state-of-the-art equipment; providing increased faculty support and further enhancing nuclear-related curricula.  GNEP is part of a President Bush’s Advanced Energy Initiative and aims to close the nuclear fuel cycle by reducing proliferation risks, reducing waste and further increasing energy security around the world.

“Increasing research expertise and bolstering infrastructure at America’s universities will position our scientists and engineers to support the expansion of clean and economical nuclear power in the United States as well as to encourage the development of advanced fuel cycle technologies,” Assistant Secretary for Nuclear Energy Dennis Spurgeon said.  “Supporting our educational institutions is essential to ensure that the United States continues to lead the world in development of safe and secure nuclear technology.”

The GNEP University Readiness awards will directly enable a university to compete in future GNEP R&D solicitations and contribute to a new generation of engineers and scientists necessary for expanding nuclear power - a safe, reliable source of emissions-free energy.  These GNEP University Readiness awards follow the Department’s funding opportunity announcement in March and DOE’s thorough review of all applications since the June deadline.

This funding is part of $15.2 million that DOE has awarded to universities that provide nuclear energy programs in fiscal year 2007.  These awards also support President Bush’s American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI) announced in 2006, which commits to doubling the federal commitment to research programs in the physical sciences over the next 10 years.  ACI aims to increase investments in the next generation of scientists, engineers and educators to keep America at the forefront of science and innovation.

The universities receiving awards include:

Clemson University
Colorado School of Mines
Cornell University
Georgia Tech
Idaho State University
Kansas State University
Livingstone College
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
North Carolina State University
Ohio State University
Oregon State University
Pennsylvania State University
Prairie View A&M University
Purdue University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center
South Carolina State University
Texas A&M University-Kingsville
Texas Engineering Experiment Station
University of California, Berkeley
University of Cincinnati
University of Florida
University of Idaho
University of Illinois
University of Maryland
University of Massachusetts Lowell
University of Michigan
University of Missouri, Columbia
University of Missouri, Rolla
University of Nevada Las Vegas
University of New Mexico
University of Pittsburgh
University of South Carolina
University of Tennessee
University of Texas at Austin
University of Utah
University of Wisconsin
Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University

Read additional information on this announcement, GNEP and nuclear R&D programs.

Media contact(s):
Angela Hill, (202) 586-4940