National Nuclear University Research Infrastructure Reinvestment Act of 2021

National Nuclear University Research Infrastructure Reinvestment Act of 2021

This bill reauthorizes through FY2026 and expands the Nuclear Energy University Program within the Department of Energy (DOE) that supports university research and training in nuclear science and engineering. For example, the bill expands the program to provide support to universities for revitalizing and upgrading existing nuclear science and engineering infrastructure that support the development of advanced nuclear technologies and applications. In addition, the bill establishes an Advanced Nuclear Research Infrastructure Enhancement Subprogram under which DOE must establish four new research reactors as well as new nuclear science and engineering facilities.

Bill 117 HR 4819, also known as the National Nuclear University Research Infrastructure Reinvestment Act of 2021, aims to provide funding for the modernization and improvement of research infrastructure at nuclear science and engineering programs in universities across the United States. The bill recognizes the importance of nuclear research in advancing scientific knowledge and technological innovation.

The legislation proposes the allocation of funds to support the development of state-of-the-art research facilities, equipment, and resources at universities with nuclear science and engineering programs. This investment is intended to enhance the capabilities of these programs, attract top talent, and foster collaboration between academia, industry, and government agencies in the field of nuclear research.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the establishment of partnerships between universities and national laboratories to facilitate knowledge sharing and research collaboration. It also emphasizes the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion in the nuclear science and engineering workforce, with a focus on increasing opportunities for underrepresented groups. Overall, the National Nuclear University Research Infrastructure Reinvestment Act of 2021 seeks to strengthen the research infrastructure and capabilities of nuclear science and engineering programs in universities, with the goal of advancing scientific discovery and innovation in the field of nuclear research.