FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 17, 2008
FY08-22
ORAU Welcomes Two New Universities to Consortium
Oak Ridge, Tenn.—Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) welcomed the University of Alabama at Huntsville (UAH) and the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico (PUPR) as its newest consortium members during the 63rd annual meeting of the ORAU Consortium of Sponsoring Institutions held in Oak Ridge, Tenn. With these additions, the ORAU Consortium now consists of 99 sponsoring institutions and 14 associate members, representing 28 states, as well the District of Columbia and London.
Membership in the ORAU consortium provides faculty and students with opportunities to collaborate with government and industry leaders through research grants, internships, and laboratory research at federal facilities, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
"While separated by thousands of miles, these two newest member institutions share a common vision of advancing their academic stature while promoting scientific research and education," said ORAU President Ron Townsend. "ORAU draws tremendous strength from the broad range of assets of our members, and we expect both of these new members will contribute greatly to the advancement of the next generation of science and technology leaders."
UAH is a doctoral-granting, research-intensive university established in 1950 as part of the University of Alabama System. The university became an autonomous campus in 1969. Approximately half of the university's graduates earn a degree in engineering or science, making UAH one of the leading producers of engineers and physical scientists in Alabama.
PUPR promotes programs and activities that provide solutions to the industrial, educational, environmental and engineering needs of Puerto Rico. The university also promotes scientific research by partnering students and faculty with national laboratories and other institutions.
Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) is a university consortium leveraging the scientific strength of 99 major research institutions to advance science and education by partnering with national laboratories, government agencies, and private industry. ORAU manages the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education for the U.S. Department of Energy.