UT Pioneers $25 Million Consortium for Nuclear Technology Development

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has stepped into a leading role as the primary institution for a transformative $25 million cooperative agreement awarded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration. This funding aims to bolster research dedicated to nuclear security and nonproliferation across the globe.

Commencing in March 2025, the Enabling Capabilities in Technology Consortium is set to receive approximately $5 million annually over a five-year period. Each fiscal year will see the involvement of 35 graduate students and 26 undergraduates, with opportunities to support additional scholars.

“This new consortium funded by the Department of Energy will lead advances in global security, clean energy, and artificial intelligence that are especially critical to our nation and our world at this time,” said Jason Hayward, UCOR Fellow and professor of nuclear engineering at UT, who directs the consortium’s executive team. “In particular, our efforts will help produce the new knowledge and the diverse talented workforce necessary to enable the U.S. and its allies to safely and securely triple nuclear power output throughout the world by 2050 and respond to emerging threats in space.”

Diverse Research Thrusts

The consortium is anchored by several key research focuses, including fundamental studies in earth, environmental, atmospheric, and space science, along with radio and nuclear chemistry. Additionally, it encompasses applied disciplines such as nuclear chemical engineering and reactor systems engineering. Connecting these diverse areas of research are three cross-cutting themes: detection, characterization, and response methodologies and tools; data science for nuclear nonproliferation; and a strong emphasis on education and training.

Importantly, education is set to leverage UT’s innovative new bachelor’s degree in environmental engineering—Tennessee’s first such program—preparing a new generation of students for work in these critical fields.

“The state of Tennessee and the University of Tennessee have made outstanding investments in faculty and facilities over many years to enable us to be recognized as a leading institution in academic research and in the education of the future technical talent of the U.S. national laboratories and other nuclear-related fields,” explained Hayward.

Expanding research initiatives at UT Knoxville.

A Collaborative Network

This consortium is a collaboration of monumental scale, featuring 15 higher education institutions alongside eight national laboratories. Notable partners include prestigious institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Texas A&M University, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, creating a mixture of skills and expertise that promises to advance the field significantly.

The involvement of national laboratories like the Idaho National Laboratory and the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory highlights the collaboration’s depth and commitment to nuclear technology advancements. Such partnerships are essential in fostering innovation and improving the safety and efficiency of nuclear power.

Image search and collaboration are becoming more critical as societal demands for clean and safe energy options grow.

The future of nuclear energy.

Looking Ahead to a Nuclear Future

As global dynamics shift towards addressing climate change and energy security, the work spearheaded by the Enabling Capabilities in Technology Consortium stands to have far-reaching implications. The ambitious goal of tripling nuclear power output by 2050 requires not only advancements in technology but also a comprehensive workforce equipped with the latest knowledge and skills.

With UT at the helm of this project, there is great optimism about the potential breakthroughs in nuclear science and engineering that could emerge from this initiative. The program aims not just to improve energy production but also to enhance nuclear security measures worldwide, ensuring a balanced approach to meeting the world’s growing energy demands while safeguarding public safety.

In summary, the emergence of the Enabling Capabilities in Technology Consortium marks a significant investment in the future of nuclear energy and security, combining resources from leading educational institutions and national laboratories to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time. As we look forward to 2025, the work initiated here could redefine how we think about and implement nuclear technology for generations to come.

Innovative research addressing nuclear technology concerns.