ABOUT THE UT-OAK RIDGE INNOVATION INSTITUTE
The University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII) was launched by the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory in 2021, in response to America’s need for a stronger pool of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) talent.
UT-ORII is leveraging its joint UT-ORNL resources to foster an earlier interest in STEM in Tennessee schools, grow its interdisciplinary graduate programs, and accelerate collaborative discovery and innovation in convergent research initiatives of critical importance to the nation and to Tennessee.
Mission
To strategically align the expertise and infrastructure of the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory to usher in world-class interdisciplinary research and graduate education.
Vision
To become the coveted home for convergent research and talent development, helping maintain U.S. prominence as a global innovation leader and provide tangible impact to Tennessee.
To achieve our mission, UT-ORII is building upon a 75-year partnership between UT and ORNL. The Institute represents a new way of thinking about the UT-ORNL relationship and brings people, infrastructure and collaborative opportunities together in new ways to dramatically increase and accelerate the impact of this long-standing partnership.
“Our ability to effectively leverage our nation’s largest science and energy laboratory will enable us to deliver a robust pipeline of talent in emerging fields for industry, government and academia.”
Randy Boyd
University of Tennessee System President
GOVERNANCE
UT-ORII is directed by an Executive Council composed of leaders from the UT System, UT Knoxville, UT Health Science Center and ORNL. These positions are currently held by Randy Boyd, UT System president; Stephen Streiffer, ORNL director; Susan Hubbard, ORNL deputy for Science and Technology; Donde Plowman, UT Knoxville chancellor; and Peter Buckley, UTHSC chancellor.
UT-ORII is also advised by external and internal (UT and ORNL) committees.
COLLABORATION & PROGRESS IN THREE CORE AREAS
Research
Education
Workforce
Development
UT-ORII’s goals are for Tennessee to be known worldwide as a hub for talent and discovery; and to create a model that the U.S. Department of Energy can replicate nationally for joint research and innovation, interdisciplinary education and workforce development focused on these and other areas of greatest national importance:
- Clean manufacturing & advanced materials
- Energy storage & transportation
- Circular bioeconomy systems
- Radiopharmaceutical therapies
“The University of Tennessee is a long-standing partner to Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and our institute plays a central role in bridging the strengths of our respective institutions to ensure effective collaborations. Together, we’re pursuing breakthroughs and building a workforce that are essential for long-term innovation with national-level impact.”
Stephen Streiffer
ORNL Director
STRATEGIC PLAN
View UT-ORII’s 2023-2028 strategic plan and read UT-ORII’s Bylaws
“The University of Tennessee – Oak Ridge Innovation Institute is designed to bring together the best scientists and researchers from around the world to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges and prepare the next generation of great scientists and problem solvers.”
Donde Plowman
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Chancellor
UT-ORII: A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN ORNL AND UT
OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory is the nation’s largest multiprogram science and technology laboratory. Since its establishment in 1943, ORNL has been delivering scientific discoveries and technical breakthroughs needed to realize solutions in energy and national security and provide economic benefit to the nation. More than 6,000 employees representing 60+ nations apply unique facilities, sophisticated tools and signature strengths in neutron science, high-performance computing, advanced materials, biology and environmental science, clean energy, fission and fusion science and engineering, isotopes and national security research to benefit science and society. In addition, ORNL’s wide range of partnerships with other DOE laboratories and programs, universities and industry have enabled outstanding contributions to science.
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE SYSTEM
UT is a statewide system of higher education with campuses in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Pulaski and Martin; the Health Science Center at Memphis; and the statewide Institute of Agriculture and Institute for Public Service. UT educates a combined 54,000 students each year. UT is ORNL’s largest research partner and since 2000 has partnered with Battelle Memorial Institute to manage the national lab. The program was formed as a 50-50 limited liability partnership, and UT-Battelle is the legal entity responsible for delivering DOE’s research mission at ORNL. Both UT and Battelle are committed to serving the DOE by enhancing ORNL’s leadership in scientific research, laboratory operations and community service.
UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE, KNOXVILLE
Established in 1794, UT Knoxville is Tennessee’s flagship land grant university and premier public research institution. It is classified by the Carnegie Commission as a research university with very high research activity (RU/VH). For more than 225 years, Volunteers have been lighting the way for others across Tennessee and throughout the world. UT Knoxville, which includes the UT Space Institute and the UT Institute of Agriculture, serves the state by educating its citizens, enhancing its culture and making a difference in people’s lives through research and service.