South Carolina Universities Research & logo

Nuclear Nonproliferation International Safeguards (NNIS) Graduate Fellowship Program

South Carolina Universities Research &

Foundation Annual Grants for Science Research
Apply Now

Funding Amount

Up to $71,000/year (includes $3,000/month stipend + up to $35,000/year tuition and fees)

Deadline

February 15, 2027

303 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Nuclear Nonproliferation International Safeguards (NNIS) Graduate Fellowship Program

Overview: The NNIS Graduate Fellowship Program provides financial support for exceptional students pursuing technical doctoral research relevant to the field of international nuclear safeguards.

Program Sponsor: U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), Office of International Nuclear Safeguards (OINS)

Geographic Scope: United States - open to U.S. citizens at participating universities

Focus Areas:

  • International nuclear safeguards and nonproliferation

  • Technical measures to verify compliance with nuclear non-weapons commitments

  • Destructive and non-destructive assay of nuclear material

  • Nuclear material accounting data and facility operator records analysis

  • Containment, surveillance, and environmental sampling technologies

  • Research with demonstrated safeguards impact and intent to pursue career in international safeguards

  • Research aligned with IAEA Long-Term Safeguards R&D plan priorities

    • Eligibility:

  • U.S. Citizens (candidates with dual citizenship must notify SCUREF)

  • About to enroll in or currently enrolled in qualified course of study at participating university

  • Must have at least one full year of graduate work remaining at beginning of September 2024

  • Pursuing technical doctoral research

    • Award Details:

  • Monthly stipend: $3,000

  • Additional Dislocation Allowance: $800/month (prorated) while on practicum assignment

  • Tuition and fees: up to $35,000/year paid directly to university

  • Maximum annual cost (stipend + tuition/fees): $71,000 per Fellow

  • Travel reimbursements for seminars, conferences, workshops (GSA compliant, requires 30-day advance notice)

  • Access to DOE/NNSA-approved laboratories for thesis research

    • Program Benefits:

  • Partnerships between science/engineering programs and nuclear nonproliferation/safeguards policy programs

  • Practicum assignments at participating laboratories

  • Tuition and fees coverage

  • Travel support for approved activities

  • Thesis research support at participating facilities

    • Restrictions:

  • No teaching assistantships or research assistantships without direct consent

  • Other awards/prizes without service requirement may be accepted

  • Veteran's benefits accepted

  • Employment compensation may result in equivalent stipend reduction

  • SCUREF reserves right to revoke appointment for unreported compensation

  • Optional, refundable, and penalty fees not covered

    • Evaluation Criteria:

  • Academic performance

  • Relevant coursework

  • Demonstrated commitment to international nuclear safeguards field

  • Research relevance and safeguards impact

  • References

  • Potential to enhance IAEA technical capabilities or improve safeguards efficiency

    • Number of Awards: Contingent on number of Fellows graduating and availability of funds (typically multiple annual awards)

    Notification: Mid-April (after DOE/NNSA approval)

    Contact Information:
    SCUREF
    1204 Whiskey Road, Suite F
    Aiken, SC 29803
    803-642-4187
    Email: available on website

    How to Apply

    NNIS Fellowship Program Application Procedures

    Eligibility Requirements:

  • U.S. Citizen (dual citizens must notify SCUREF)

  • About to enroll or currently enrolled at participating university

  • Minimum one full year of graduate work remaining at beginning of September 2024

    • Application Deadline: February 15, 2024 (annual cycle: November 2023 – February 2024)

    Note: Deadline applies to 2024 cycle. Current deadline for 2026-2027 cycle unknown; contact SCUREF for current deadlines.

    Application Components (Complete Application Required):
    1. Student Application Form
    2. Reference Forms - 3 references required
    3. Official Transcripts - all transcripts must be sent directly from university registrar

    Submission Method:

  • Submit all materials electronically through www.scuref.org NNIS Fellowship page

  • Late and/or incomplete applications will NOT be processed

  • Include Fellowship program name on all correspondence

  • If unable to submit electronically, contact Nicole Huchet at (843) 793-1079 or via email

    • Application Requirements Details:

  • Applications must describe potential safeguards impact of research

  • Explain how research enhances IAEA's technical capabilities to detect diversion, facility misuse, or undeclared nuclear activities

  • Link research proposals to IAEA Long-Term Safeguards R&D plan, STR-400, STR-399, or other IAEA/USG safeguards priorities

  • Identify specific existing or future technical safeguards challenge being addressed

  • Demonstrate the dearth of viable fixes to proposed technical challenges

    • Review Process:

  • Independent panel review (composed of university, DOE/NNSA, and national laboratory personnel)

  • DOE/NNSA program sponsor reviews applications and panel recommendations

  • DOE/NNSA approves final selection

  • Applicants notified in mid-April

    • Required Forms Available:

  • NNIS University Participation Application (for non-fellows)

  • Practicum Completion Evaluation Form (for mentors)

  • Publication Submission Form

  • Travel Request Form

  • Travel Expense Reimbursement Form

  • One-Way Travel Expense Reimbursement Form (practicum/long-term lab assignments)

  • Request for Practicum Assignment

  • Practicum Completion Form (for fellows)

  • Long Term Laboratory Assignment Form

  • Thesis/Dissertation Proposal Form

  • Fellowship Completion Form

    • Apply with Grantable Learn more

    Focus Areas & Funding Uses

    Fields of Work

    science-research

    Categories

    Browse similar grants by category

    Grants for Science Research

    Related Grants

    Similar grants from this funder and related organizations

    Foundation

    Nemaline Myopathy Research Grants (RFA)

    Amount

    Up to $100,000 per year for up to three years (up to five grants available)

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Foundation

    WAM Research Grant Program

    Amount

    Varies

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Annual
    Foundation

    Paul E. Strandjord Young Investigator Grant

    Amount

    $7,500

    Deadline

    December 12, 2026

    Annual
    Foundation

    Jonas Environmental Health Education Project

    Amount

    $435,000

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    One-time
    Foundation

    Michelson Prizes: Next Generation Grants

    Amount

    $150,000

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Annual
    Foundation

    BMS Small Grant

    British Mycological Society

    Amount

    Up to £500

    Deadline

    Rolling / Open

    Ready to apply for Nuclear Nonproliferation International Safeguards (NNIS) Graduate Fellowship Program?

    Grantable helps you assess fit, draft narratives, and track deadlines — so you can submit stronger applications, faster.

    Apply with Grantable Learn more