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Nuclear Reactor Program

Nuclear Reactor Program

The first university nuclear reactor program in the world established in 1950.

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ABOUT NRP

chart of nuclides as a title image for the block of user facilities

NRP User Facilities

The PULSTAR Reactor is a partner facility of the Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) consortium and is also part of the Research Triangle Nanotechnology Network (RTNN). 

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image for the block become a user.

Become A User

The Nuclear Reactor Program administers the PULSTAR Reactor and associated instrumentation as a User Facility. Learn more about how to become a user of the PULSTAR User Facilities.

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Burlington red brick wall showing "Burlington Nuclear Laboratories"

Tour the Reactor

Tours of the PULSTAR Reactor are open to academic groups, prospective users, and the general public. Contact nrp-pulstar@ncsu.edu for more information or complete the Tour Request Form to schedule a tour.

Our Mission

To enhance, promote, and utilize the PULSTAR research reactor and associated facilities in an exemplary manner, leading to national recognition as a premier 1-MW Nuclear Reactor Program dedicated to research, teaching, and extension. 

NEWS

Interview Spotlight

As part of Fulbright Week at NC State, the work of Dr. Jason Hou is highlighted by NC State Global as a Fulbright Scholar whose research addresses one of today’s most pressing global challenges: sustainable energy.

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The State College smoke stack, with the Burlington Labs nuclear reactor. Photo by Marc Hall

NC State Leads the Nation in DOE Nuclear Energy Awards

In the latest DOE NE announcement of the FY25 Consolidated Innovative Nuclear Research (CINR) R&D and facility access awards, NC State was funded for five projects, more than any other institution in the nation.

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Students conduct probe reading in nuclear experiment at the PULSTAR reactor pool-top bridage

DOE Grant Grows NC State K-12 Nuclear Education Efforts

NC State University will receive up to $200,000 from the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Nuclear Energy to create short courses for high school students and educators to learn how to use a nuclear reactor

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A black plaque with a clear front panel and silver bolts. It reads 'NSUF Partner Institution' and 'NC STATE UNIVERSITY'. Below is a paragraph about the Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) program and its partnership, followed by the NSUF logo. In front of the plaque are a rectangular magnet with 'NSUF @ NC STATE' and a round button with the NSUF logo.

NSUF Partner Facility

NRP at NC State has proudly served as a Nuclear Science User Facilities (NSUF) partner since 2009, joining as one of the program’s first four partner institutions.

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Wendy So Retired

On Wednesday, January 28th, we celebrated Wendy So’s well-earned retirement from NC State after 25 incredible years! 🎉

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Neutron Imaging Set A New Record

In 2025, the PULSTAR Neutron Imaging Facility has observed a total number of twelve thousand neutron images taken, breaking our all-time record.