ABOUT

NuPEERS 2027 has four goals:

1. Teach new knowledge and skills in nuclear science: Participants will receive instruction on fundamental physics in nuclear science through lectures by university and national laboratory scientists. Hands-on laboratory activities and collaborative problem-solving will reinforce core concepts while introducing students to modern research methods and instrumentation;

2. Generate future scientific knowledge through research engagement: By exposing students to the frontier of current research and scientific challenges, NuPEERS encourages participation in undergraduate exploration and graduate study and future scientific discovery;

3. Disseminate knowledge and best practices in teaching physics across institutions: NuPEERS activities will strengthen collaboration across MSIs, R1 universities, national laboratories, and professional organizations. Educational materials, mentoring models, and event outcomes will be shared to support replication and expansion of successful approaches for increasing participation in nuclear science; and

4. Inform evidence-based approaches for broadening participation in physics: Evaluation will involve collection of participant feedback, learning outcomes, mentoring experiences, and measures of scientific identity and persistence. These data will guide continuous improvement and contribute to effective practices for increasing participation and persistence in nuclear science education.

 

Participants will gain technical knowledge, research experience, mentoring, exposure to nuclear science career pathways, all ultimately contributing to greater confidence in pursuing graduate education in physics-related degree programs. It is expected that NuPEERS will expand the Foundation’s Science Program’s reach in a new way by supporting Summer School training of emerging researchers from scientific communities not traditionally represented in physics.