MIT Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering
Increasingly, people are saying "Nuclear energy is really important; what can I do to help support the nuclear field?" Obviously, the professors, researchers, and students of MIT's Nuclear Science and Engineering department are deeply involved in developing and supporting a host of important applications of nuclear and radiation interactions. Here are some ideas for how other individuals can make their support for the field count.
Public support for any technology is, above all, a matter of grass-roots influence. If you think that nuclear energy's ability to generate electricity on a large-scale with zero climate-damaging emissions is important, tell your friends, when the topic comes up for discussion. You might also be interested in Department Seminars, or speakers for schools, or nuclear research publications.
Congress-people and senators are representatives of all citizens. When they hear from nuclear specialists such as those at MIT's NSE department (as they regularly do!) they recognize the technical expertise but may filter the recommendations because they see the possibility of self-interest in some of the nuclear advocacy. By contrast, if they hear from their ordinary constituents, with no vested interest, that has an impact. You can have more influence than you realize.
Environmentalists know there is real need for the carbon-free energy that nuclear can supply, but many of them are stuck in the cold-war mentality that equates nuclear with weapons and danger. A substantial number of environmental leaders have come out in favor of nuclear energy in the past few years, but many organizations still maintain a knee-jerk anti-nuclear policy.
When an environmental organization approaches you, ask them what their policy is on nuclear energy. If they don't know, tell them to find out and get back to you. If they are against it, tell them you prefer to support environmental groups that are in favor of responsible deployment of non-polluting energy such as nuclear.
The nation needs educated experts in all areas of application of nuclear science and engineering, from fission energy for the present to fusion for the future, from nuclear medical applications to exotic new technologies such as quantum computing. You can help support the education of top caliber students through giving to the department of Nuclear Science and Engineering.
The department is currently seeking needed additional support for first-year graduate students. Most of our more senior graduate students are supported from research contracts. But a first-year fellowship gives a student the opportunity to devote themselves to course-work, and to build an intellectual foundation for future studies without premature commitment to a specific project. Fellowship resources also give the department extra ability to attract the top-rated students, by giving them a prestigious and secure offer for their entrance to MIT.
In addition, undergraduate students benefit from aid to participate in technical competitions, travel to conferences, and meet with policy-makers. Donations to the department help to support these sorts of activities. Larger-scale needs in the department include the refurbishment of undergraduate teaching laboratories, and the founding of endowed professorships.
We are grateful to the thoughtful and deliberate philanthropists who have given support to the department. Some are alumni or individuals with an historic tie to the department, but some have no prior relationship with us. They simply want their financial giving to help support a vital area of intellectual endeavor for the future of the nation and the globe.
If you would like to know more about philanthropic opportunities, please contact us at nse-giving@mit.edu
