Directions in nuclear research and development: a national laboratory perspective

The national laboratories in the United States have been heavily involved in nuclear-related activities ranging from basic science to energy and weapons development. Advanced fission and fusion energy activities have been closely coupled to overall energy development plans, and related budgets, maintained by the US Dept. of Energy (DOE) and its predecessor organizations. These plans are undergoing significant changes at the present time, with consequent changes in the laboratory programs. Although it is difficult to predict the future in this relatively unstable environment, the purpose of this paper is to examine perceived trends and speculate on some of the directions and challenges that are likely to face those working in the national laboratories nuclear R and D programs in the next decades