DE-FOA-0003543: Fiscal Year 2026 University Nuclear Research Infrastructure Revitalization Department of Energy

Sponsor: DOE
Internal Deadline: 05/01/2026
Institutional Submission Limit: 1
Program Website

The Department of Energy (DOE) Idaho Operations Office invites applications for University Nuclear Research Infrastructure Revitalization. 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 consortium 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:

(1) nuclear cyber-physical protection;

(2) new digital technologies in advanced nuclear reactors; and

(3) 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.

 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.

 The following requirements must be met:

• Must be a multi-institutional consortium project.


• A minimum of 50% of the budget must go to equipment and upgrades (e.g., physical infrastructure/equipment). The remaining portion of the budget may be used for research costs including faculty, students, and staff support.


• Non-university and college collaborators and personnel, in composite, can have no more than 20% of the total funds provided by the government.

 Note: This NOFO does not provide any funds for the planning and construction of new university nuclear reactors.

Institutional Limit

1 as lead institution

Submission Process

Limited submissions MUST be coordinated with the Office of the Vice President for Research.

If interested in applying for this opportunity, please combine the following items into a single PDF and email to resdev@mailbox.sc.edu by 5pm on the INTERNAL DEADLINE above:

• Cover page with grant program name & number (if applicable) to which you are applying, your project title, PI (name, department/unit, & email), and list of co-PIs/key collaborators (name & department/unit)
• a two-page project abstract addressing key components/criteria for this specific grant program
• a 2-3 page CV/biosketch for the PI (SCiENcv preferred)