The University of Texas at El Paso and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) have signed a memorandum of understanding that will create new opportunities for students and faculty to participate in high-impact research in areas such as data science, cybersecurity and geological science. The agreement is also designed to lead to job opportunities for UTEP graduates with the national lab.
“Our students and faculty will be able to collaborate with lab scientists and engineers in the search for solutions to some of our most pressing national problems,” said UTEP President Heather Wilson. “We’re confident that this partnership will benefit PNNL and UTEP.”
PNNL draws on its distinguishing strengths in chemistry, Earth sciences, biology and data science to advance scientific knowledge and address challenges in sustainable energy and national security. Founded in 1965, PNNL is operated by Battelle for the Department of Energy, and is part of a network of 17 national laboratories. With an annual budget of more than $1.2 billion, PNNL employs 5,700 scientists, engineers and other professionals.
“At PNNL, we are committed to fostering a culture where creativity and innovation thrive, and diversity, equity and inclusion are embraced and valued,” said PNNL Director Steve Ashby. “We clearly have many synergies to celebrate today. By uniting our research aspirations and passion to inspire and equip tomorrow’s scientists and engineers, UTEP and PNNL can do much more together than separately to deliver transformative outcomes for society.”
The memorandum, which builds on an existing partnership between the two institutions, seeks to accomplish three main objectives: to find joint solutions to problems of significant national priority in areas of common interest and expertise such as energy and national security concerns; develop a diverse and sustainable workforce with the talent to take on these problems; and accelerate technology adoption by introducing new ideas, science and technology into the industrial and federal marketplaces.
As part of the partnership, UTEP faculty will have the opportunity to do research at PNNL and vice versa. PNNL researchers may also teach courses at the University as adjunct faculty. Other avenues for collaboration include postdoctoral assignments, joint publications, conferences and workshops.
UTEP students, including those from groups typically underrepresented in STEM fields, will benefit from the partnership through internship programs and opportunities for employment at PNNL.
The collaboration between UTEP and PNNL will also enable joint access to research funding sources that are not typically available to either institution individually.
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