Department of Energy Issues Call for Proposals to U.S. Universities for Nuclear Energy-Related Integrated Research Project Proposals

The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Nuclear Energy University Programs (NEUP) is now accepting applications from universities interested in conducting nuclear energy-related Integrated Research Projects (IRP).

IRPs are the newest element of the NEUP program, and represent the Program Directed component of the NEUP strategy by providing research and development (R&D) solutions that are the most directly relevant to the near-term, significant needs of the NE R&D programs. IRPs complement the other NEUP components, which include Program Supporting and Mission Supporting university-based R&D, University Reactor and Research Equipment Infrastructure Upgrades, and Integrated University Program Student Fellowship and Scholarship Grants.

IRPs are significant, three-year projects that address specific research issues or capability gaps identified and defined by the NE R&D programs, and are intended to develop a capability within each specified area. These projects will be multidisciplinary and require multi-institutional partners.

The following two IRP focus areas are addressed by this initial fiscal year (FY) 2011 CFP:

• Advanced Thermal Reactor Concept ($2.5 million/year totaling $7.5 million)
• Accelerated Aging of Used Nuclear Fuel in Storage ($1.5 million/year totaling $4.5 million)

This CFP includes a set of mandatory requirements and evaluation criteria that will be used to select successful proposals.To view the FY 2011 NEUP IRP CFP, go to www.neup.gov. Applications are due March 30, 2011, and must be submitted using the online NEUP submittal application also available at www.neup.gov.