Last week, Oregon State University expanded its research relationships with two national laboratories in the fields of nuclear engineering, AI and robotics.
On June 4, OSU’s College of Engineering signed a memorandum of understanding focused on nuclear energy with the Idaho National Laboratory, while the same day the university signed an MOU with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, focused on work around AI and robotics.
The MOU between INL and the College of Engineering will expand collaboration in areas like AI, robotics and advanced energy systems, helping to advance workforce development, innovation and real economic growth.
“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to working together on advanced reactor design, integrated energy systems, national security, and the application of AI and other emerging technologies to these fields,” said Todd Combs, deputy laboratory director for Science and Technology and chief research officer of Idaho National Laboratory. “By combining our expertise and resources, we are confident this agreement will open new doors for students, faculty and researchers for years to come.”
Headquartered in Richland, Wash., PNNL is focused on strengths in chemistry, Earth sciences, biology and data science, and is a key player in national security strategy with an emphasis on nuclear materials and threat analyses. PNNL and OSU have worked together for year to advance research, develop scientific talent, and address complex challenges. Their new partnership agreement focuses on AI, robotics and advanced energy systems.
Bill Pike, deputy director for science and technology at PNNL, joined OSU President Jayathi Murthy on the Corvallis campus for the signing ceremony, where leaders from both organizations emphasized their shared commitment to collaboration and innovation.
“This partnership reflects our shared values of collaboration, scientific excellence, innovation, and service,” Pike said during the ceremony. “By combining our strengths, we increase our competitiveness for major federal opportunities and bring additional resources and attention to the Northwest as an innovation powerhouse. We look forward to expanding how we work with OSU and to the discoveries, technologies, and talent that will emerge from this partnership.”
This memorandum of understanding formalizes PNNL’s and OSU’s collaborative approach to accelerating technology adoption and addressing critical national challenges.
“We’re very excited to bring our skills in AI, automation and robotics, applied to areas of strength such as agriculture, microbiome science, critical minerals, marine science and oceanography, to this important partnership,” said Irem Y. Tumer, OSU Vice President for Research and Innovation. “This strategic relationship with PNNL will greatly enhance our researchers’ ability to deliver the big scientific and economic impacts OSU is known for.”
By Theresa Hogue
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