The Office of Nuclear Energy (NE) today announced that through its Nuclear Energy University Programs (NEUP) it is now accepting applications from universities interested in conducting nuclear energy-related Integrated Research Projects (IRP).

IRPs 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 three IRP focus areas are addressed by this fiscal year 2012 Call for Proposals (CFP):

• Advanced Nuclear Cladding and Fuel Materials with Enhanced Accident Tolerance for Current Generation & GEN III+ Light Water Reactors ($1.17M/yr totaling up to $3.5M)
• Degradation of Used Nuclear Fuel in Storage ($1.17M/yr totaling up to $3.5M)
• Inherently Safe Light Water Reactors ($2.0M/yr totaling up to $6.0M)

This CFP includes a set of mandatory requirements and evaluation criteria that will be used to select successful proposals. Applications are due July 9, 2012, and must be submitted using the submittal application at www.neup.gov. NE will likely notify award recipients in September 2012.

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