Post by Argonne National Laboratory

The next generation of nuclear scientists and engineers are already shaping the future of energy! From June 15 to 19, Argonne welcomed 35 graduate students from 11 universities across the United States, Canada, and Belgium for the 2026 Small Modular Reactors Summer School. Organized in collaboration with the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency's Nuclear Education, Skills and Technology (NEST) Framework, the one-week program explored fast reactors and the fuel cycle technologies that support them. Throughout the week, students engaged with Argonne experts, participated in technical sessions, and collaborated on group projects focused on the deployment of fast-neutron reactors. The program concluded with student presentations and remarks from Argonne Deputy Laboratory Director for Science and Technology Sean L. Jones, who recognized participants for their hard work and innovative ideas. These students will carry this knowledge into labs, utilities, and startups in the years ahead.