Higher Education Research Experiences at ORNL
About the Program
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, is a multi-program science and technology laboratory managed for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by UT-Battelle, LLC. Scientists and engineers at ORNL conduct basic and applied research and development to create scientific knowledge and technological solutions that strengthen the nation’s leadership in key areas of science; increase the availability of clean, abundant energy; restore and protect the environment; and contribute to national security.
ORNL also performs other work for DOE, including isotope production, information management, and technical program management, and provides research and technical assistance to other organizations.
ORNL has a long history and interest in providing opportunities for research in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology to undergraduates, graduates, postgraduates, and faculty of the nation’s colleges and universities. Over the years, programs have been developed to help realize the Laboratory’s vision for excellence in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education and to implement specially designed and funded programs through the DOE.
Higher Education Research Experiences at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (HERE at ORNL) provides research opportunities and associated activities for students at all levels, beginning the term before college entrance through thesis/dissertation research, and higher education faculty. The program is designed to complement academic programs by utilizing the unique resources of Oak Ridge National Laboratory to enhance science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education, encourage careers in science and technology, and improve scientific literacy, while at the same time contributing to the Laboratory mission.
Funding
Participants in HERE at ORNL will be funded by programmatic funds of the ORNL host research divisions or through funding provided by institutions of higher education. Currently, there are no DOE funds earmarked for education that are available in this program.
Benefits
General Benefits for Research Participation appointments include:
- Stipend (determined by category of participant)
- One round trip between home or school and ORNL
- Housing allowance (for students whose permanent address is more than 60 miles from Oak Ridge)
Find out more about Oak Ridge and East Tennessee
Research Areas Available
In completing your application, you will be asked to review the scope of research conducted at ORNL and specify up to three research areas in which you are interested.
Other ORNL Education Programs
Programs in higher education will continue to include the ORNL Postdoctoral Research Associates and Post-Master’s Research Participation Programs for both postdoctoral participants and post-master's participants.
In addition, ORNL will continue to offer specially designed and funded programs such as the national DOE Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internships (SULI), the Community Colleges Institutes (CCI), and the GLCA/ACM Oak Ridge Science Semester (ORSS). ORNL will continue to be involved in programs through the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, and in providing practicum assignments for DOE Fellows and Scholars.