Reactor Use in Nuclear Engineering Programs

Nuclear reactors for dual use in training and research were established at about 50 universities in the period since 1950, with assistance by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission and the National Science Foundation. Most of the reactors are in active use for a variety of educational functions — laboratory teaching of undergraduates and graduate students, graduate research, orientation of visitors, and nuclear power plant reactor operator training, along with service to the technical community. As expected, the higher power reactors enjoy a larger average weekly use. Among special programs are reactor sharing and high-school teachers’ workshops.