On March 5, 2024, researchers and students from across South Carolina convened at Clemson University for the annual SRNL University Partnership Day. This event aimed to strengthen collaborative research efforts and workforce development initiatives with the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL). The gathering focused on innovations in energy resilience, advanced manufacturing, nuclear security, and environmental science.
Enhancing Collaboration
The event featured a series of panel discussions and research presentations, culminating in opportunities for students and postdoctoral researchers to connect with industry leaders. Clemson University Interim President Bob Jones emphasized the significance of SRNL as a national asset in bridging scientific research and national security. “Importantly, we are leveraging this asset through our relatively new Battelle Savannah River Alliance, which has the promise of not just incremental, but also transformative advances,” Jones stated. He reaffirmed Clemson’s commitment to collaboration in this partnership.
Among the event’s participants were members of the Battelle Savannah River Alliance, a consortium formed by the U.S. Department of Energy in 2020. This alliance includes several academic institutions, such as Georgia Institute of Technology, South Carolina State University, University of Georgia, and University of South Carolina, alongside small business partners like Longenecker & Associates and TechSource. Representatives from Duke Energy and the Palmetto Nuclear Coalition also took part in the discussions.
Driving Workforce Development
Clemson faculty have collaborated with SRNL scientists for decades, focusing on critical issues such as nuclear waste storage and energy security. The formation of BSRA has opened new pathways for undergraduate and graduate students to engage in research alongside experienced scientists. To date, the partnership has facilitated the awarding of 22 scholarships to undergraduate students and has led to the hiring of eight graduate students, two research scientists, and three postdoctoral research associates.
Moreover, Clemson and SRNL have established six joint faculty appointments, aimed at enhancing research capabilities and supporting student training. This partnership has also contributed to STEM summer camps for high school students across South Carolina and provided professional development training for high school teachers.
Tanju Karanfil, Clemson’s senior vice president for research, scholarship, and creative endeavors, articulated the broader impact of this initiative. “This is truly a statewide effort touching all levels of education to develop a pipeline of talent while conducting research that supports the development of critical technologies,” Karanfil remarked. He highlighted that this collaboration positions South Carolina as a leader in fostering innovation in energy and manufacturing.
The SRNL University Partnership Day at Clemson University exemplifies a concerted effort to align academic research with national priorities, ensuring a robust workforce prepared to tackle future challenges in energy and security.
