The proliferation of nuclear weapons, equipment, and information is a major threat to world peace and the threat of nuclear or radiological weapons use by sub-national groups is growing. Science, technology, and policy must work in an integrated manner to help reduce these threats. While the U.S. Department of Energy's national laboratory complex leads the effort in threat reduction technology development, there is an increasing need for University participation in the area of nuclear nonproliferation and international nuclear security.

The Nuclear Security Science and Policy Institute (NSSPI) is a university-based entity that focuses on graduate education, research, and service on a variety of topics related to the safeguarding of nuclear materials and the reduction of nuclear threats. NSSPI works in collaboration with our national laboratories and other partners to develop technological solutions to problems associated with the malicious use of nuclear materials and to study policy issues related to nuclear security.

NSSPI conducts research, educates students, hosts seminars and workshops involving universities, national laboratories, and government staff, provides short courses, and provides direct support to DOE programs.