### §16532. Nuclear science talent expansion program for institutions of higher education

#### (a) Purposes

The purposes of this section are—

(1) to address the decline in the number of and resources available to nuclear science programs at institutions of higher education; and

(2) to increase the number of graduates with degrees in nuclear science, an area of strategic importance to the economic competitiveness and energy security of the United States.

#### (b) Definition of nuclear science

In this section, the term "nuclear science" includes—

(1) nuclear science;

(2) nuclear engineering;

(3) nuclear chemistry;

(4) radio chemistry; and

(5) health physics.

#### (c) Establishment

The Secretary shall establish, in accordance with this section, a program to expand and enhance institution of higher education nuclear science educational capabilities.

#### (d) Nuclear science program expansion grants for institutions of higher education

#### (1) In general

The Secretary shall award up to 3 competitive grants for each fiscal year to institutions of higher education that establish new academic degree programs in nuclear science.

#### (2) Priority

In evaluating grants under this subsection, the Secretary shall give priority to proposals that involve partnerships with a National Laboratory or other eligible nuclear-related entity, as determined by the Secretary.

#### (3) Criteria

Criteria for a grant awarded under this subsection shall be based on—

(A) the potential to attract new students to the program;

(B) academic rigor; and

(C) the ability to offer hands-on learning opportunities.

#### (4) Duration and amount

#### (A) Duration

A grant under this subsection may be up to 5 years in duration.

#### (B) Amount

An institution of higher education that receives a grant under this subsection shall be eligible for up to $1,000,000 for each year of the grant period.

#### (5) Use of funds

An institution of higher education that receives a grant under this subsection may use the grant to—

(A) recruit and retain new faculty;

(B) develop core and specialized course content;

(C) encourage collaboration between faculty and researchers in the nuclear science field; and

(D) support outreach efforts to recruit students.

#### (e) Nuclear science competitiveness grants for institutions of higher education

#### (1) In general

The Secretary shall award up to 5 competitive grants for each fiscal year to institutions of higher education with existing academic degree programs that produce graduates in nuclear science.

#### (2) Criteria

Criteria for a grant awarded under this subsection shall be based on the potential for increasing the number and academic quality of graduates in the nuclear sciences who enter into careers in nuclear-related fields.

#### (3) Duration and amount

#### (A) Duration

A grant under this subsection may be up to 5 years in duration.

#### (B) Amount

An institution of higher education that receives a grant under this subsection shall be eligible for up to $500,000 for each year of the grant period.

#### (4) Use of funds

An institution of higher education that receives a grant under this subsection may use the grant to—

(A) increase the number of graduates in nuclear science that enter into careers in the nuclear science field;

(B) enhance the teaching of advanced nuclear technologies;

(C) aggressively pursue collaboration opportunities with industry and National Laboratories;

(D) bolster or sustain nuclear infrastructure and research facilities of the institution of higher education, such as research and training reactors or laboratories; and

(E) provide tuition assistance and stipends to undergraduate and graduate students.

#### (f) Authorization of appropriations

#### (1) Nuclear science program expansion grants for institutions of higher education

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsection (d)—

(A) $3,500,000 for fiscal year 2008;

(B) $6,500,000 for fiscal year 2009;

(C) $9,500,000 for fiscal year 2010;

(D) $9,800,000 for fiscal year 2011;

(E) $10,100,000 for fiscal year 2012; and

(F) $10,400,000 for fiscal year 2013.

#### (2) Nuclear science competitiveness grants for institutions of higher education

There are authorized to be appropriated to carry out subsection (e)—

(A) $3,000,000 for fiscal year 2008;

(B) $5,500,000 for fiscal year 2009;

(C) $8,000,000 for fiscal year 2010;

(D) $8,240,000 for fiscal year 2011;

(E) $8,500,000 for fiscal year 2012; and

(F) $8,750,000 for fiscal year 2013.

(Pub. L. 110–69, title V, §5004, Aug. 9, 2007, 121 Stat. 612; Pub. L. 111–358, title IX, §902(a), Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 4044.)

#### **Editorial Notes**

#### Amendments

2011—Subsec. (f)(1)(D) to (F). Pub. L. 111–358, §902(a)(1), added subpars. (D) to (F).

Subsec. (f)(2)(D) to (F). Pub. L. 111–358, §902(a)(2), added subpars. (D) to (F).