MEDIA COVERAGES

Media Coverages

The 35th Annual Regulatory Information Conference

U.S Nuclear Regulatory Commission. . . (March 16, 2023)

The NEXT Molten Salt Research Reactor at Abilene Christian University

Global interest in safe, clean, carbon-free and reliable power has attracted renewed interest in advanced nuclear reactor designs. . . (March 7, 2023)

Titans of Nuclear Podcast - Dr. Rusty Towell

So we're here today with Rusty Towell, who is the founding director of the Nuclear Energy Experimental Testing Lab at Abilene Christian University. . . (February 10, 2023)

Conversation with AHS Grad, NEXT Lab director, Dr. Rusty Towell

When Dr. Rusty Towell talks about the cutting-edge work being done with molten salt at Abilene Christian University, he can’t stop smiling as he speaks with a mixture of excitement and anticipation in his voice. . . (February 10, 2023)

ACU's molten salt nuclear reactor a hot topic - here and for world

From energy needs and a potential cure for cancer to clean water for all, Abilene Christian University's molten salt nuclear reactor currently under construction and due to go online in 2025 may provide a key to three of life's most pressing problems, said Alli Mae Berry, NEXT Lab research chemist at ACU. . . (October 29, 2022)

NRC Begins Construction Permit Review for Pioneering Nuclear Molten Salt Research Reactor

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has accepted Abilene Christian University’s (ACU’s) construction permit application for a 1-MWth nuclear non-power Molten Salt Research Reactor (MSRR) facility planned for the university’s campus in Abilene, north-central Texas. . . (November 21, 2022)

Abilene Christian’s NEXT Lab reaches milestone in molten salt reactor research

The Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Laboratory at Abilene Christian University in Texas created quite a bit of buzz within the nuclear community in August when it submitted the first application for a new U.S. research reactor in more than 30 years. . . (November 14, 2022)

A Texan With a TED Talk, a Dane With a Dream

One such innovator is Rusty Towell, a physics professor at Texas’s Abilene Christian University who spent time in the nuclear Navy. . . (October 27, 2022)

Abilene Christian University

The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is providing public notice of receipt and availability of an application for a construction permit from Abilene Christian University (ACU). . . (October 10, 2022)

Abilene Christian University receives $300,000 grant for lab research

ABILENE, Texas — For the second year in a row, Abilene Christian University is receiving an infrastructure grant from the Department of Energy. . . (September 9, 2022)

ACU’s NEXT Lab awarded infrastructure grant from Department of Energy

ABILENE, Texas — The U.S. Department of Energy’s Nuclear Energy University Program announced a grant of $292,770 to be used for infrastructure at Abilene Christian University’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Lab, the second consecutive year for ACU to receive the grant. . . (September 7, 2022)

CERTREC assisted Abilene Christian University with molten salt research reactor construction permit application

Abilene Christian University (ACU) is charting new territory in the world of applying advanced nuclear power concepts. On August 15, 2022, ACU electronically submitted to the NRC their construction permit (CP) application using Certrec's proven advanced nuclear licensing capabilities and one of Certrec's SaaS applications. . . (September 1, 2022)

Fed Nuclear Regulators mulling Abilene Christian University request to build 1-MW Molten Salt Test Reactor

In a preliminary safety analysis, ACU notes it is making a huge investment in advanced research and developing a pipeline to a nuclear-qualified workforce. . . (August 31, 2022)

ACU’s NEXT Lab submits application to NRC to build molten-salt research reactor

Abilene Christian University’s (ACU) Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab submitted an application for a construction permit for a molten-salt research reactor (MSRR) with the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). . . (August 31, 2022)

Certrec Assists Abilene Christian University with Molten Salt Research Reactor Construction Permit Application

ABILENE and FORT WORTH, Texas, August 31, 2022 -- Abilene Christian University (ACU) is charting new territory in the world of applying advanced nuclear power concepts. . . (August 31, 2022)

TX University Looks To Build Reactor

Abilene Christian University requested a permit to build a Molten Salt Research Reactor (MSRR) on the university’s campus in Abilene, Texas, said officials at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). . . (August 25, 2022)

US Abilene Christian University applies to build molten salt research reactor

The Abilene Christian University (ACU) in Texas has said that its Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Lab has submitted a construction permit application to build a molten salt research reactor (MSRR). . . (August 19, 2022)

University seeks NRC permit for advanced research reactor

The Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Laboratory at Abilene Christian University in Texas has applied with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for a permit to build a molten salt research reactor "to address the world's need for clean and safe energy, water and medical isotopes to treat cancer" . . . (August 19, 2022)

Application submitted for US molten salt research reactor

Abilene Christian University (ACU) has applied to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for a construction licence for a molten salt research reactor (MSRR), to be built on its campus in Abilene, Texas, as part of the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) laboratory. . . (August 19, 2022)

Abilene Christian’s NEXT Lab applies for MSRR construction permit

The Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Laboratory at Abilene Christian University in Texas submitted a construction permit application to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for its molten salt research reactor (MSRR) on August 15. . . (August 18, 2022)

Abilene Christian submits application to build molten salt research reactor project

ABILENE, Texas — Abilene Christian University is making history while trying to build a molten salt research reactor. . . (August 17, 2022)

Abilene Christian, Teledyne Brown sign contract for molten salt research reactor

The first university-based molten salt research reactor (MSRR) is one step closer to reality with Abilene Christian University’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing (NEXT) Laboratory recently signing a contract with Teledyne Brown Engineering. . . (July 27, 2022)

DOE Awards $61 Million in Nuclear Energy Projects at U.S. Universities, Industry, and National Laboratories including ACU NEXT Lab

DOE Awards $61 Million in Nuclear Energy Projects at U.S. Universities, Industry, and National Laboratories. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today awarded more than $61 million for 74 nuclear energy projects across the country. The projects will support nuclear technology development, infrastructure improvements, and career opportunities at more than 40 U.S. universities. They will also help move the nation closer toward its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 by expanding access to nuclear energy—the nation’s largest source of clean power. . . (June 17, 2022)

University Programs: The many areas of research

Nuclear News reached out to the Nuclear Engineering Department Heads Organization (NEDHO) to ask for assistance in connecting with nuclear engineering programs at U.S. universities . . . (Apr 22, 2022)

Universities to host a new generation of advanced reactors

First-of-a-kind research reactors, demo reactors, and research facilities are being developed and sited on university campuses to support the broader deployment of advanced reactors . . . (Dec 13, 2021)

ACU Aumni Association - Evan Babb('23)

Babb's interest in research and alternative forms of energy drew him to the NEXT Lab . . . (Nov 12, 2021)

Sen. Cruz makes campus visit to talk NEXT

U.S. Sen Ted Cruz made a stop in Abilene to visit ACU’s NEXT Lab while on a tour of cities across the . . . (Sep 03, 2021)

Abilene Lands Three Major Projects, Combined $76M Investment

A $2.93 million incentive package was approved for “Project Future Hope,” the name given to an expansion project by NEXT Lab . . . (August 26, 2021)

DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION OF ABILENE COMMITS $2.9 MILLION TO ACU’S NEXT LAB FACILITY EXPANSION

At its July meeting, the Abilene City Council approved a $2.93 million incentive package that . . . (July 15, 2021)

ACU’S NEXT LAB AWARDED INFRASTRUCTURE GRANT FROM DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP) announced a grant of $367,793 to . . . (July 15, 2021)

Education notebook: Hands-on virtual reality carpentry training nearly took my legs

If I was in the real world, I'd definitely be in the hospital right now. Maybe without any . . . (July 19, 2021)

Development Corp. of Abilene secures $76 million in capital investment projects

On Thursday the Development Corporation of Abilene (DCOA) presented three new . . . (July 8, 2021)

Three DCOA projects approved by Abilene City Council

The Abilene City Council approved economic development agreements between the Development Corporation of Abilene and Primal Pet Group, NEXT . . . (July 8, 2020)

NEXT Lab student reseacher awarded national science foundation fellowship.

When Keaton Brewster graduates in May with a degree in physics and mathematics, he’ll be taking with him more than a . . . (April 21, 2021)

Texas university leads research on nuclear energy to prevent further blackouts

The Abilene Christian University (ACU), along with three other universities at Texas are leading research on nuclear energy, as it is the most dependable energy source there . . . (March 1, 2021)

Texas universities advance reliable nuclear energy

Energy and electricity topics are dominating conversations in Texas after residents spent a week battling a major winter storm . . . (March 1, 2021)

10 Questions with NEXT Lab oversight committee chair, energy expert Doug Robison

A thin volume of Galileo’s 1610 landmark treatise The Starry Messenger sits on a bookshelf at . . . (January 11, 2021)

Love of chemistry, research combine to make NEXT Lab a perfect fit for ACU grad.

Alli Mae (Bulkley ’20) Berry joined the team in ACU’s NEXT Lab as a research scientist just a month after . . . (November 16, 2020)

Abilene Christian students gain hands on experience with $30 Million research project.

A new facility and research reactor, crucial in the global effort towards clean energy, is coming to . . . (September 24, 2020)

Engineering grad returns to alma mater to work on molten salt project

Vicente Rojas Aguirre was perfectly happy with his job at an engineering . . . (September 24, 2020)

Internship Spotlight: Felix Mbikogbia

Felix Mbikogbia, a senior computer science major from South Sudan recently completed a 15-week internship with ACU’s Nuclear . . . (September 9, 2020)

ACU NEXT Lab receives first patent

Abilene Christian University’s Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Laboratory, or . . . (September 8, 2020)

Four universities team up to design molten salt research reactor

Abilene Christian University (ACU) is leading a consortium called NEXTRA . . . (August 21, 2020)

Texas A&M Engineering Plays Key Role In Research Reactor Development

Texas A&M University College of Engineering researchers will play a key role in a consortium sponsored by Natura Resources, LLC to. . . (August 10, 2020)

Texas A&M plays key role in multi-million-dollar research reactor development

Texas A&M University College of Engineering researchers will play a key role in a consortium sponsored by Natura Resources, LLC to build an . . . (August 4, 2020)

Cockrell School Joins Multi-University Partnership to Design New Nuclear Research Reactor

The University of Texas at Austin is part of a consortium of four universities designing a new nuclear research reactor to advance research in . . . (August 4, 2020)

Georgia Tech to Participate in $30.5 Million Research Collaboration

The Georgia Institute of Technology will be one of four schools participating in the Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Research Alliance- NEXTRA-which is being led by Abilene Christian University and . . .

ACU receives $30.5 million for nuclear research reactor

With $30.5 million of funding for a nuclear research reactor, Abilene Christian University (ACU) is working on something that could have local and global . . . (August 3, 2020)

NEXT Lab to lead $30.5 million research collaboration

Abilene Christian University and Natura Resources LLC are partnering in a $30.5 million effort to design and license a research reactor in collaboration with three other major . . . (July 31, 2020)

ACU NEXT Lab receives grant approval from Department of Energy

The NEXT Lab at Abilene Christian University has received a $120,000 budget renewal of the teams’ sponsored research award through Idaho National Laboratory . . . (June 22, 2020)

Two ACU students awarded prestigious scholarships from U.S. Department of Energy

Keaton Brewster, a senior physics/math major, and Reuben Howe, a junior engineering major, Texas, are both doing research with . . . (April 22, 2020)

Bailey’s expertise in geothermal design primed him for role as NEXT Lab senior mechanical engineer

Tom Bailey’s (’71) career as a professional mechanical engineer didn’t end when he retired in 2013 from Weatherford International, a Houston-based . . . (April 13, 2020)

Abilene Christian University submits an application for construction permit for a non-power molten salt reactor

In March 2020, Abilene Christian University (ACU) submitted to the NRC a Letter of Intent to submit an application for a construction permit for a non-power molten salt reactor . . . (March 16, 2020)

Pamplin not only teaches chemistry, he’s putting his knowledge into practice in ACU’s NEXT Lab

In the fall of 2017, Dr. Kim Pamplin (’91) added another hat to the stack he already was wearing. . . (Jan 13, 2020)

NEXT Lab researcher tackles project to extract medical isotope

In May, Diego Zometa Paniagua (’19) was preparing to graduate from Abilene Christian University with a. . . (October 30, 2019)

Gibbs keeps projects running smoothly at ACU’s cutting-edge NEXT Lab

When Rosario Gibbs gave a presentation recently to a consortium of universities working with ACU’s NEXT Lab. . . (October 2, 2019)

Salt at Heart of Nuclear Research for Team

Dr. Rusty Towell, professor of engineering and physics at Abilene Christian University (ACU), hopes to change the way nuclear power is understood by the public. . . (July 18, 2019)

Abilene Christian University science faculty gets salty over future of nuclear power

What's so dangerous about nuclear power? When you ask the question on the street, a number of different answers come up. But . . . (July 7, 2019)

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Robison Excelsior Foundation pledges over $3 million in funding for ACU's NEXT Lab

ABILENE, Texas — Abilene Christian University’s NEXT Lab, or Nuclear Energy eXperimental Testing Laboratory, is working on new . . .(October 29, 2018)

Technology Selected for DOE’s Versatile Test Reactor Program

Battelle Energy Alliance—the management and operating contractor for the Idaho National Laboratory (INL)—selected GE Hitachi Nuclear Energy’s (GEH’s) PRISM technology to support the U.S. Department of Energy’s Versatile Test Reactor (VTR). . .(November 11, 2018)