About Nuclear Scholars Initiative The Labs Nuclear Scholars Initiative aims to provide early career experts from the National Laboratories and NNSA with a unique venue to interact, dialogue and gain in-depth knowledge on nuclear weapons. This week-long training session will include expert talks and interactive seminars for five days on topics including: U.S. nuclear policy and the nuclear enterprise, extended deterrence and assurance, nuclear modernization, emerging technology, arms control and nonproliferation, along with skills-based exercises and professional development talks. PONI supports participants’ hotel costs in Washington, DC, as well as meals and local ground transportation. PONI does not provide funding for flights between participants’ respective laboratory and Washington, DC. Class Bios Class of 2025 Application Information NOTE: Applicants must be employed at NNSA HQ, one of the NNSA Laboratories, Office of Science Laboratories, or Other DOE Laboratories listed here. PONI welcomes applicants with less than 7 years of experience in the nuclear field. Applications are now closed for the 2025 Labs NSI cohort.