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Nuclear level densities and $\gamma$-ray strength functions of $^{56,57}$Fe have been extracted from proton-$\gamma$ coincidences. A low-energy enhancement in the $\gamma$-ray strength functions up to a factor of 30 over common theoretical E1 models is confirmed. Angular distributions of the low-energy enhancement in $^{57}$Fe indicate its dipole nature, in agreement with findings for $^{56}$Fe. The high statistics and the excellent energy resolution of the large-volume LaBr$_{3}$(Ce) detectors allowed for a thorough analysis of $\gamma$ strength as function of excitation energy. Taking into account the presence of strong Porter-Thomas fluctuations, there is no indication of any significant excitation-energy dependence in the $\gamma$-ray strength function, in support of the generalized Brink-Axel hypothesis., Comment: 24 pages, 17 figures, accepted for publication in J. Phys. G: Nucl. Phys; Special Issue

The nuclear level densities and gamma-ray strength functions are the key elements for Hauser-Feshbach statistical model calculations to predict reaction cross sections which have many applications including astrophysics. The nuclear level densities and y-ray strength functions have been determined for 145,149,151Nd isotopes below the neutron separation energies using the Oslo method with the 144,148,150Nd(d,p) reactions. The results from the first measurements as well as planned experiments at OCL will be presented.