Funding will help expand the nation’s nuclear energy capabilities, grow the nuclear energy workforce, and restore American energy dominance.
December 2, 2025
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WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy today announced more than $5.3 million for 15 university-led infrastructure projects that will strengthen America’s nuclear energy workforce, research capabilities and restore America’s position as the world’s leading energy producer. This investment supports President Trump’s Executive Order Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base and advances his agenda to usher in a nuclear renaissance and expand America’s Energy Dominance.
“The nation’s ability to grow nuclear energy production relies on the successful recruitment and training of the next generation of nuclear energy workers,” said Michelle Scott, acting deputy assistant secretary for strategic crosscuts. “Today’s awards ensure that universities are able to provide nuclear engineering students with hands-on experience through access to university reactors and other state-of-the-art technologies.”
The universities that will receive infrastructure awards are:
- Kansas State University
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Oregon State University
- Pennsylvania State University
- Purdue University
- Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center
- State University of New York, Stony Brook
- The Ohio State University
- University of Florida
- University of Michigan
- University of New Mexico
- University of Notre Dame
- University of Tennessee at Knoxville
- University of Wisconsin – Madison
Since 2009, DOE has awarded more than $95 million for university nuclear energy infrastructure projects and upgrades. DOE’s Infrastructure Program is managed by the Nuclear Energy University Program with support from the Nuclear Science User Facilities.
The next round of funding is anticipated to open later this year.
Learn more about these awards here.