Public Policy and Nuclear Threats
IGCC’s signature Policy and Nuclear Threats (PPNT) program has for two decades provided a diverse range of graduate students and young professionals the knowledge and analytic tools they need to contribute to the future of U.S. nuclear policy. With a focus on understanding how international public policies can be designed and implemented to reduce the risk of weapons of mass destruction, PPNT plays an essential role in training the next generation of nuclear policy experts. PPNT offers participants an opportunity to learn about the technical, political, strategic, and ethical aspects of nuclear weapons from some of the world’s foremost nuclear policy experts. The program prepares future policy leaders through two primary activities: the summer training program for graduate students and young professionals, and a competitive paid internship for PPNT graduates at an NNSA nuclear laboratory over the subsequent summer.
PPNT National Laboratories Internship
The PPNT National Laboratories Internship Program is a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience in nuclear security and policy research at a national laboratory. This 8-week program offers participants hands-on experience and exposure to areas critical to the nuclear security mission. Interns participate in weekly enrichment in nuclear nonproliferation concepts; conduct a focused research project related to nuclear security, nonproliferation science, and technology; and produce a research paper suitable for publication, summarizing findings and results. Interns receive a weekly stipend and housing and travel stipend.
To learn more and apply, click here
PPNT Boot Camp
The PPNT Boot Camp, a summer workshop-in-residence at IGCC, features lectures, discussions, and debates with distinguished researchers, academics, policy officials, and operational specialists from leading universities, the national laboratories, international organizations, and government agencies. Topics range from current nuclear threats, to international safeguards and nonproliferation strategies. Support for this program is provided by the Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration.
Applications for the 2025 PPNT Boot Camp are now open! For details, see below.
PPNT Boot Camp for Early to Mid-Career Professionals
Application Deadline: June 30, 2025
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with reviews starting on March 21. Non-profit applicants seeking a full or partial grant must apply by March 21 to be considered for a grant.
Course fee:
- $6,000 tuition only (includes lunches during program)
- $7,500 tuition + on-campus housing (shared apartment) and dining
Applicants from non-profit organizations may be considered for a full or partial grant.
Questions on the application process? Email Eliot Jobe at ejobe@ucsd.edu.
If you are applying from Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), please note that internal recruitment for this program is managed directly at LANL. For further details, contact Frances Chadwick at chadwick_frances@lanl.gov.
2024 PPNT BOOT CAMP
The 2024 Public Policy and Nuclear Threats boot camp was held at the UC San Diego campus in La Jolla, California on July 7 – July 17, 2024. Speakers included Mike Albertson, Eric Brewer, Elaine Bunn, Andrew Reddie, Brad Roberts, Laura Rockwood, Heather Williams, and other experts ranging from the fields of politics to nuclear engineering. This year’s 34 participants were selected from a record number of applicants and come from a range of geographic and academic backgrounds, representing 7 countries and the fields of political science, nuclear engineering, physics, chemistry, and international security.
PPNT BOOT CAMP ARCHIVE
View past PPNT Boot Camp sessions, including past agenda, speakers, and participants.
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