Fiscal Year 2026 University Nuclear Research Infrastructure Revitalization
Limiting Language
A prime applicant entity may submit only one application to this NOFO. If an entity submits more than one full application the DOE will only review the last submission. This limitation does not prohibit an applicant from collaborating on other applications (e.g., as a potential subrecipient or partner) so long as the entity is listed as the prime applicant on only one application submitted under this NOFO.
Executive Summary
The intent of this NOFO is to award approximately one (1) grant, for up to four (4) years, to a consortium consisting of universities, national labs, industry partners and/or other stakeholders. The consortia must be university led. The consortia project shall establish and/or enhance nuclear research capabilities at U.S. universities and colleges, especially in support of:
- nuclear cyber-physical protection;
- new digital technologies in advanced nuclear reactors; and
- the development and safety assessments of small modular reactors.
The proposed effort must strengthen and revitalize the academic community’s nuclear energy infrastructure, which could include enhancements of existing infrastructure or creation of new capabilities. In addition, the proposed effort must enhance regional or national impacts of the investment.
This NOFO does not provide any funds for the planning and construction of new university nuclear reactors.
Projects proposed under the University Nuclear Research Infrastructure Revitalization NOFO are intended to:
- Revitalize the U.S. capacity for university-led nuclear R&D by establishing and/or improving infrastructure to align with the advanced reactor technologies being deployed by the U.S. nuclear industry;
- Support innovative combinations of facilities, equipment, and related capabilities to maximize the value of investments toward R&D; and
- Emphasize support for rapid, lower-cost approaches that can enable advanced-reactor-relevant R&D, education and workforce development prior to any universities establishing advanced research reactors; and involve consortia to maximize participation.
Requests should focus on a goal or capability that significantly adds to the current U.S. capacity to support advanced reactor R&D, education, and workforce development. Applicants must clearly demonstrate the connection among requested pieces of equipment or other project elements toward a key objective or outcome.