WASHINGTON, DC -- Secretary of Energy Spencer Abraham today unveiled the administration's new Innovations in Nuclear Infrastructure and Education (INIE) program and awarded $5.5 million to four consortia of universities. Under this innovative program, the universities are encouraged to make new investments in their research reactor and nuclear engineering programs while establishing strategic partnerships with national laboratories and industry.

Secretary Abraham also announced 65 new nuclear engineering grants to 31of our Nation's universities and 73 scholarships and fellowships to outstanding students pursuing careers in nuclear science and engineering.

"If we are to meet the energy, environmental and medical challenges of the future, then initiatives like these are absolutely critical to preparing the next generation of nuclear engineers and scientists," Secretary Abraham said. "This year, we have expanded our effort to leverage our investment by establishing geographically diverse research reactor centers."

The INIE program is established on the basis of recommendations of the Department of Energy's (DOE's) independent advisory committee - - the Nuclear Energy Research Advisory Committee (NERAC). NERAC expressed concern about the ability of the Nation to respond to the growing demand for trained experts in nuclear science and technology in the face of financial and other challenges affecting engineering programs and research reactor facilities at American universities over the last decade. b

An independent peer review panel evaluated 13 proposals received from universities and consortia across the country. Based on this expert review, the department selected four consortia to receive funding this year; an additional three consortia will receive INIE grants as additional funding becomes available. All of the 14 universities represented in the consortia receiving support this year either sponsor nuclear engineering programs or operate nuclear research reactor facilities. Awards range from approximately $1 million to $2 million to each consortia for the first year of funding. Contingent on future appropriations, INIE grants are awarded for a five-year term.

The department is also announcing awards in several other areas related to nuclear science and engineering education at the nation's universities including funds for matching grants, reactor sharing and reactor upgrades.

DOE is awarding 21 matching grants to universities throughout the country, leveraging public-private contributions for up to $120,000 through a 50-50 cost-share arrangement. This initiative allows funds to be directed to the specific needs of an institution's school of nuclear engineering for purchase of new equipment, support for students, faculty and research.

The department is also awarding 23 reactor upgrade grants to fund enhancements of the instrumentation and control systems at university reactors and safety and security improvements. Twenty-two reactor sharing grants will be awarded to enable university reactors to serve as centers for educational programs at non-reactor institutions of higher learning, providing opportunities for reactor training and experiments. This initiative also allows middle and high school students to be introduced to nuclear science and technology by enabling them to visit reactors and conduct experiments.

Eligibility for these grants is restricted to colleges and universities with nuclear engineering degree programs or and/or to those with an operating research reactor. These awards are made annually on the basis of an independent peer review by experts. This year's awards, including the fellowships and scholarships, represent a federal investment of $3 million. Additional information on these and other nuclear science and engineering educational initiatives that are sponsored by DOE's Office of Nuclear Energy, Science and Technology is available at nuclear.gov.

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