2026 MeV Curriculum
The 2026 MeV school curriculum will be composed of lectures organized across five focused modules, a team project, discussion assignments, tours of experimental facilities, and networking events.
MODULE 1: NUCLEAR FUNDAMENTALS
This module offers a comprehensive introduction to nuclear concepts, including the basics of nuclear physics, reactor engineering, and the history of nuclear reactors. Students will gain the foundational knowledge essential for understanding the complex interactions within nuclear systems. Additionally, this module will introduce the fundamentals of the school’s crosscutting themes of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML), modeling and simulation (M&S), and experimentation and validation (E&V).
MODULE 2: ADVANCED NUCLEAR REACTORS
Exploring innovative reactor designs beyond traditional light-water reactors, this module covers fast reactors, molten salt reactors, gas-cooled reactors, and other next-generation technologies, including fusion machines that aim to enhance efficiency, resource utilization, safety, and versatility of nuclear power. This module will highlight the reactors built over the past 50 years at the Idaho National Laboratory.
MODULE 3: PLANT SAFETY, RISK, AND RELIABILITY
This module examines methodologies for ensuring plant safety, mitigating risks, and improving reliability. Students will gain insights into the latest research and practices aimed at bolstering the safety and reliability of nuclear power plants. Topics include probabilistic risk assessment, hardware and human reliability, human factors engineering, risk-informed applications, and the role of AI/ML in predictive maintenance and anomaly detection.
MODULE 4: PLANT OPTIMIZATION
This module addresses the optimization of nuclear power plant design, operation, and maintenance, focusing on enhancing efficiency, performance, and economics. Students will explore strategies for design optimization, operational improvements, and the application of AI/ML for predictive analytics and decision support. Topics such as digital twins, advanced control systems, supply chain, and the economic analysis of plant operations will also be covered, demonstrating how modern tools can lead to more efficient and cost-effective nuclear power generation.
MODULE 5: LICENSING AND REGULATION
Understanding the regulatory landscape is crucial for advancing nuclear technology. This module delves into the principles of nuclear power licensing and regulation, examining the processes and requirements for reactor approval and operation. Students will learn about the modernization of regulatory frameworks and the role of AI/ML in facilitating compliance and enhancing regulatory oversight. Topics include risk-informed regulation, licensing of non-light-water reactors and fusion machines, and the role of international regulatory bodies.
Teams, Tours & Networking
The program includes a team project over the duration of the school, culminating in a presentation from each team on the final day.
Group discussions will occur each day to encourage additional exchange and sharing of ideas.
Technical tours will be provided by Idaho National Laboratory personnel who will lead the discussions.
Various networking events will be held, providing students with more opportunities to interact with lecturers, staff scientists, and other students and to learn about the rich history of nuclear energy.
Participants will receive a student book introducing each student’s research, which enables the students to obtain feedback and input from prominent experts and lecturers, and also will facilitate further student–student interactions and networking.