The University of Tennessee and Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC, the management company and operating contractor of the Idaho National Laboratory, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that will expand opportunities for students, faculty, and researchers.
Under the MOU, UT and INL will work together in areas of mutual scientific and technical interest, including applied and advanced nuclear technology. Specific areas of interest may include nuclear fuels and materials, reactor safety, optimizing plant operations, and advanced manufacturing. The two organizations are discussing opportunities to strengthen their collaboration, including hosting seminars, teaching new courses, and internships over the next five years.
“This partnership will be extremely beneficial to the Nuclear Engineering Department and the university overall,” NE Department Head Brian Wirth said. “Idaho National Lab is the leading DOE lab for nuclear energy, so there are a lot of opportunities for our students to engage there. We also plan to provide opportunities for INL research scientists to come to UT and engage with students through co-teaching or possibly fully teaching classes as well.”
INL—one of 17 national labs in the United States Department of Energy Complex—is the nation’s center for nuclear energy research and development. It is home to more than 5,700 researchers and support staff focused on innovations in nuclear research, renewable energy systems, and security solutions.
“University partnerships are critical to INL’s success as leaders in nuclear energy research,” said Jess Gehin, associate laboratory director for INL’s nuclear science and technology directorate. “By leveraging the strengths of both institutions, we can share resources to more effectively meet clean energy goals.”
Gehin visited UT on October 31, 2024. In the coming months, Wirth foresees NE faculty traveling to INL to give seminars and staying for extended visits. The internships and research opportunities provided to UT students at INL could lead to future employment.
“It’s all about strengthening and growing collaborations,” Wirth said. “Oak Ridge National Laboratory is a strong strategic partner for us, and in the future, we’re anticipating doing similar things with Los Alamos National Lab and Savannah River National Lab.”
Contact
Rhiannon Potkey (865-974-0683, rpotkey@utk.edu)