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DOE OSTI · 1740005

Challenges and Opportunities in Staffing and Knowledge Transfer at Research Reactors

Heidrich, Brenden J·Lund, Matthew L·Geuther, Jeff·Meffert, Bruce·Townsend, Clive
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Abstract

University research reactors have been a cornerstone of nuclear engineering research and education since the first reactor was deployed at North Carolina State University in the 1950s. The population of university reactors grew to a high of almost 80 in 1970 but has dropped to 24 operating today. The US Department of Energy – Office of Nuclear Energy supports the remaining reactors through fuel and infrastructure funding. The Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) collaborated with the National Organization of Test, Research, and Training Reactors (TRTR) to study the needs of the university research reactor community. Staffing and knowledge transfer were identified as critical areas. The panel will discuss challenges and opportunities in these areas including how COVID-19 has affected their facilities.

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21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORSknowledge transferresearch reactorstaffing

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Heidrich, Brenden J, Lund, Matthew L, Geuther, Jeff, Meffert, Bruce, Townsend, Clive. 2020-12-23. Challenges and Opportunities in Staffing and Knowledge Transfer at Research Reactors. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1740005

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