FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 19, 2008
FY08-32
ORAU and Federal Laboratory Consortium for Technology Transfer Form Partnership
Oak Ridge, Tenn.— Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) and the Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC) for Technology Transfer have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that forms an alliance between ORAU and the FLC to explore mutually beneficial collaborations and activities that directly support each organization’s strategic mission.
The FLC is a nationwide network of more than 250 major federal laboratories representing 17 departments and agencies. The mission of the FLC is to promote and
facilitate the rapid movement of federal laboratory research results and technologies into the mainstream of the U.S. economy, and to provide a forum for educating, training and networking that encourages excellence in technology transfer.
"The FLC is pleased and excited to have signed this memorandum of understanding with ORAU," said FLC Chair Scott Deiter. "This collaboration will no doubt lead to excellent and viable technology transfer opportunities."
Cathy Fore, ORAU’s Director of Collaborative Initiatives, said she believes the FLC provides a structured and proven framework for expanding ORAU’s strategic mission in science, technology, engineering or mathematics. "By leveraging our combined resources—ORAU's university consortium and FLC's network of research laboratories—we can provide advanced opportunities for education and research collaborations in emerging technologies, and enhance ORAU's innovation enterprise."
The depth and breadth of the university research and education enterprise is the lifeblood foundation of the economic well-being of the country, according to ORAU Vice President John Nemeth. "ORAU is happy to play a role in further introducing that immense capacity for technological advancement and workforce development to a broader array of federal laboratories."
The MOU states that the goal of the agreement is to directly support the research and education purpose of the American Competitiveness Initiative and the America Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology, Education, and Science Act (America COMPETES Act of 2007) by promoting the ideal that education is the gateway for the U.S. to lead the world in talent and creativity and the foundation for a knowledge-based, innovation-driven economy.
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.