Nuclear Power Research and Development

Nuclear power research and development is stretching the limits
By Katherine Kay Nuclear industry R&D is engaged in the pursuit of new products, knowledge and services that are an improvement over the past or present. This research is a methodical, but also creative, original and investigative process that helps companies grow and progress in their industry.
 

Nuclear power research uses science and math techniques in a systematic manner to find more efficient energy, improved medical devices, military and national security improvements, manufactured goods and services. Most companies spend about 5% of their revenue on research and development. However, a few industries such as pharmaceuticals, software, electronics and semiconductors, and nuclear power spend more. Consider the following when thinking about atomic energy R&D:

1. Find basic nuclear energy research institutions that make discoveries and move society forward.

2. Pursue applied nuclear research to bring new products and services to businesses and consumers.

3. Use forums and information resources for nuclear R&D.

Use basic nuclear power research and development to move society forward

Basics research is the kind of research often pursued by government, education and larger businesses. This research will help many people in many ways over the long term.
Try: Nuclear power researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory perform national security research. They deliver engineering and scientific solutions for complex and crucial problems. They state that their primary responsibility in their basic research is the safety, reliability and security of U.S. and its nuclear deterrent. Caltech is another leader in basic nuclear power research. This institution is a leader in nuclear physics and power research as well.

Pursue applied R&D for nuclear power to improve products and services

Applied research is the kind of research that companies do to improve the bottom line. By doing so, companies grow and progress as they discover and implement improved products.
Try: General Atomics opened its doors in 1955 as a basic research institution. Today, they actively engage applied commercial nuclear power work with companies from around the world. JAI is another applied nuclear power research company. Westinghouse focuses on nuclear energy today also.

Find nuclear energy R&D online forums and information resources

Research and development is a process that involves investigation and creative discovery. Forums, discussion groups, e-newsletters with a wealth of information are online for people interested in current nuclear energy research.
Try: The American Nuclear Society, founded in 1954, is a not-for-profit, international society of scientists, engineers, educators and administrators. Sign up for their nuclear energy newsletter. Topix is another information-packed nuclear energy forum and discussion group.

• Governmental, educational and big business high-tech institutions will have funds for basic research. Smaller companies generally do applied research, but the budget is limited. If you are a smaller company, be sure to talk to a nuclear industry research business consultant in aerospace research development about how much money your company should apply to R&D to stay current and competitive.