The U.S. Department of Energy designated the Advanced Test Reactor and associated post-irradiation examination facilities a National Scientific User Facility (ATR NSUF) in April of 2007. This designation allows broader access to nuclear energy researchers, helping ensure the long-term viability of nuclear energy through a robust and sustained research and development effort. Researchers from universities, laboratories, and industry collaborating through the ATR NSUF will facilitate the prospect of advancements in basic and applied nuclear research and development to help meet the nation's energy security needs.
Advanced Test Reactor, Idaho National Laboratory
The ATR NSUF offers a variety of opportunities for participation. Users Week is a yearly event and offerings include an informational workshop about ATR NSUF capabilities, an opportunity to tour INL the facilities, and a number of courses on nuclear-related topics. Users Week will select different courses each year, and is a great opportunity to meet other scientists and engineers interested in proposing to the ATR NSUF Call for Proposals. Links to Users Week and the registration page, can be found under both Faculty and Students and Users.
The ‘Media’ link contains links to ATR NSUF press releases, bi-monthly reports, and the video library with presentations by colloquium speakers on various nuclear-related topics. This page is still under development and additional information will be added over time.
ATR NSUF has two Calls for Proposals each year. Proposals must be led by a U. S. university or college, but collaborations between institutions are encouraged and collaborative proposals are ranked a bit higher during the selection process.
The ‘Faculty and Students’ link provides information on internships, scholarships, Users Week participation, calls for proposals and general information on visiting and touring the facilities.
University partners through the Partnership Program are sought as the ATR NSUF continues to increase capabilities offered. Currently six partners are providing use of university facilities to the NSUF and specific information can be found under both the ‘Partners’ and ‘Facilities” links.
The ATR NSUF is growing rapidly and the website will continue to evolve. The ‘Feedback’ link at the bottom of the Home page is an ideal way to provide comments both on the page content and on information that may be of interest.