Researchers and students from across South Carolina convened at Clemson University on March 12, 2024, to explore opportunities for collaboration with the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL). The event, known as the SRNL University Partnership Day, aimed to foster research partnerships that focus on advancements in energy resilience, advanced manufacturing, nuclear security, and environmental science.
The annual event featured panel discussions, research presentations, and career opportunities for students and postdoctoral researchers. Bob Jones, Interim President of Clemson University, emphasized the importance of SRNL as a national asset. He stated, “SRNL has become a significant national asset, a launchpad where we are connecting science to national security, energy resiliency, nuclear and critical technologies, and advanced manufacturing.” Jones highlighted the collaboration through the newly formed Battelle Savannah River Alliance (BSRA), which includes prominent institutions such as the Georgia Institute of Technology, South Carolina State University, and the University of Georgia.
The BSRA was established in 2020 by the U.S. Department of Energy to manage SRNL, and it includes small business partners such as Longenecker & Associates and TechSource. The partnership has allowed Clemson faculty and students to engage in research alongside SRNL scientists, building on decades of collaboration focused on nuclear waste storage, advanced materials, and energy security.
The partnership has proven fruitful, with 22 scholarships awarded to undergraduate students and the employment of eight graduate students, two research scientists, and three postdoctoral research associates. Additionally, Clemson and SRNL have created six joint faculty appointments to promote research and enhance student training.
Expanding Educational Opportunities Across South Carolina
The collaboration extends beyond research, impacting education at multiple levels. The partnership has initiated STEM summer camps for high school students throughout South Carolina and professional development programs for high school teachers. Tanju Karanfil, Clemson’s Senior Vice President for Research, emphasized the statewide effort to cultivate a talent pipeline while conducting research that supports crucial technologies. He remarked, “This partnership with SRNL makes South Carolina a leader in this effort.”
Through initiatives like these, Clemson and SRNL are positioning themselves at the forefront of innovation in energy, security, and manufacturing. The commitment to collaboration not only enhances educational opportunities but also ensures that the region plays a significant role in addressing national challenges related to technology and security.
As the landscape of research and workforce development evolves, the partnership between Clemson University and SRNL exemplifies a proactive approach to innovation, ensuring that future generations are equipped to lead in critical technological advancements.
