NRC’s Integrated University Program grants total $15 million in FY 2016

Grants awarded by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC’s) Integrated University Program during fiscal year (FY) 2016 total more than $15 million, according to a recent report.

The grants were dispensed to 39 academic institutions, including Minority Serving Institutions.

The NRC was tasked by Congress with the distribution of federal funding to assist in promoting careers and research in nuclear, mechanical, and electrical engineering; health physics; and other related fields at qualifying academic institutions. Grant money is used to support university scholarships, fellowships, trade school and community college scholarships, as well as faculty development, providing resources for programs that will help to meet expected future workforce needs.

“We are proud of the Integrated University Program and the opportunities it has provided to the scientific and engineering community in support of our nation for the past seven years,” Michael Weber, director of the Office of Nuclear Regulatory Research, said.

The NRC maintains public listings of its grant opportunities on its website, helping potential applicants to locate information on funding opportunities and successfully submit applications. The proposals are reviewed by a panel of experts, drawing on the academic community and NRC employees, to construct a panel with experience reviewing proposals and expert knowledge in their field.

Since 2007, the NRC has awarded a total of more than $154 million.