ORAU partnership

Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) was founded in 1946 as the Oak Ridge Institute for Nuclear Studies following the completion of the Manhattan Project. The original consortium was composed of only 14 universities from the southeastern United States. The name was changed to Oak Ridge Associated Universities in 1966 to reflect the growing role that universities played in the organization. It has since grown to over 100 member institutions.

ORAU provides innovative scientific and technical solutions for the Department of Energy and other federal agencies to advance national priorities in science, health, education and national security. We do this by integrating unique laboratory capabilities, specialized teams of experts and a consortium of more than 100 universities. ORAU also manages the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, which supports government agencies who value an integrated solution incorporating state of the art science and technology in an era of consolidated government contracts requiring research informed delivery of critical services.

In addition to support for government agencies, ORAU provides many opportunities for teachers and students through a variety of fellowships, grants, scholarships, workshops, and joint-faculty appointments.  Many of these programs are especially designed for underrepresented minority students pursuing degrees in science and engineering fields.  Participation and financial support for science education programs now exceeds 8,900 participants and $212 million.  The ORAU University Partnerships Office supports new faculty just beginning their careers through the Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award, individual faculty collaboration with other scientists at member universities and ORNL, and member schools with larger collaborative efforts.

For information about ORAU and its programs, visit www.orau.org, or call the university partnerships office at 865.576.1898.