Perspectives on U.S. University research reactor policy.

The article examines the history, current status, and future policy options for university research reactors in the United States, which have historically supported neutron scattering research critical to advances in multiple scientific and industrial fields. It highlights the decline in the number and capability of these reactors since the 1980s, contrasting US federal policy with more coordinated European approaches that maintain a diverse portfolio of neutron sources. The renewed national interest in nuclear power and advanced reactor technologies presents opportunities to revitalize university reactors for research, training, and innovation. The article proposes three policy options to enhance coordination, funding, and strategic planning for university research reactors to better integrate them into the national science infrastructure and support neutron scattering research.