Helping agencies and other organizations make informed decisions about the quality and value of the science they pursue
ORAU has the technical capability and expertise to coordinate the use of independent, expert reviewers to determine the scientific and technical feasibility of proposals submitted in response to government agency research needs.
Slowing, reversing the decline in U.S. life expectancy
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts—for a third straight year—average life expectancy is declining. Researchers at ORAU have worked extensively with government agencies such as CDC to develop communication strategies with the hope of reducing the risk of both substance abuse deaths and cancer.
Providing high-quality evaluations of air quality, weather and climate change
Did you know that ORAU supports the Atmospheric Turbulence & Diffusion Division partnership with NOAA to perform advanced weather and climate research? ORAU’s atmposheric scientists provide engineering expertise on the instrumentation and data analysis that offer insight into the implications of climate change and air quality on a nationwide scale.
Evaluating the impact of the 1999 DOE beryllium rule on the incidence of beryllium sensitization
ORAU and the Colorado School of Public Health Center for Health, Work & Environment conducted a study to evaluate the impact of the DOE’s 1999 Beryllium rule on occupational exposures and the incidence of new cases of beryllium sensitization and chronic beryllium disease. This research could provide support for the rule-making as well as result in advances in the science of beryllium exposure and associated health effects.
Radiation Protection Research Needs Workshop proceedings now available
The workshop facilitated critical dialogue among radiation stakeholders in the governmental and scientific communities, including national laboratories, academic institutions, and industry partners. The goal was to seek stakeholder input toward the development of a national strategic research agenda in the field of radiation protection.
ORAU recycles more than nine tons of material during Earth Day event
ORAU employees beat previous years' totals by recycling more than nine tons of recyclable material, including technotrash like computer components, cables, televisions and kitchen gadgets.
Registration for K-12 student and teacher programs is now open!
Parents—are you looking for an exciting STEM experience for your child this summer? Teachers—would you like to interact with other teachers and share ideas through professional development? ORAU is kicking off our summer program registration this month! Visit our new K-12 focused STEM website to find our what's in store this summer and what you need to know to register for these exciting STEM workshops.
Is social media helping or hindering vaccination rates?
That’s the question ORAU researchers asking. Members of ORAU’s Health Communications and Marketing Team are collaborating with the University of Georgia to analyze social media conversations across three major vaccine types—childhood immunizations, HPV, and seasonal influenza—to better inform communication strategies aimed at decreasing hesitancy and increasing vaccination rates. The research is being conducted through an ORAU-Directed Research and Development program grant.
30,000 nuclear workers surveyed on safety cultures in their workplaces
Workers desire an environment where they are respected for their expertise, acknowledged for their contributions and informed about the reasons behind decisions.By using written surveys and electronic surveys, focus groups and one-on-one interviews, ORAU gained input from 30,000 workers over six years, which resulted in valuable feedback on the effectiveness of safety programs and initiatives.
ORAU provides innovative scientific and technical solutions to advance science education and workforce development and protect health and the environment. We connect the right people and resources to get things done, and we put the full power of our organization behind every project—both large and small.
Upcoming Events
See us at the American Industrial Hygiene Conference & Exposition 2019, Booth 1125
Tuesday, May 21. 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. L Lobby: Dr. Ashley Golden, PhD, will be on hand to discuss the poster, “Evaluating the Impact of the 1999 Department of Energy Beryllium Rule on the Incidence of Beryllium Sensitization and Chronic Beryllium Disease.” The study hypothesizes that a quantifiable reduction in exposure and disease due to implementation of the current rule at DOE sites can be estimated and possible used as a predictive metric in estimating the burden of disease that could be reduced with enactment of new proposed rules. Co-authors are Dr. Jeffrey Miller, PhD and Dr. Donna Cragle, PhD of ORAU, and Miranda Dally and Dr. Lee Newman, PhD, of the Colorado School of Public Health in Aurora, Colo.
National Soil Moisture Workshop, Kansas State University
Friday, May 24, 8:30 a.m., National Soil Moisture Workshop, Kansas State University. Tim Wilson, an ORAU employee working at the Atmospheric Turbulence and Diffusion Division at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Air Resources Lab, will present “U.S. Climate Reference Network (USCRN) and Gridded Soil Moisture Products.” The National Soil Moisture Workshop provides a unique opportunity for leaders in soil moisture research and development to come together to exchange ideas and develop collaborations. This presentation advances ORAU's position as a thought leader in atmospheric research.
Nuclear Energy Assembly 2019
See us at Nuclear Energy Assembly 2019, Booth 214, Monday-Wednesday, June 3-5. Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, D.C.
ORAU experts will be available to discuss nuclear safety culture and Exercise Builder Nuclear, ORAU’s powerful web-based drill and exercise management tool. Nuclear Energy Assembly is the gathering place for people, businesses and organizations from all areas of the nuclear industry and related fields. Attendees from around the United States and around the world will gather to see the latest products, services and innovations for the nuclear industry.
Events Sponsorship Program
The Events Sponsorship Program provides up to $4,000 to support events that involve participants from more than one ORAU institution. Typical events might include visits to an ORAU institution by a renowned speaker, conferences or workshops with a focused theme, or a technology transfer/business plan competition.
As an investment in the future of science education in America, ORAU’s Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Awards Program rewards ambitious young faculty at our member universities.
The Events Sponsorship Program provides up to $4,000 to support events that involve participants from more than one ORAU institution. Typical events might include visits to an ORAU institution by a renowned speaker, conferences or workshops with a focused theme, or a technology transfer/business plan competition.
Phase 2 projects are defined as innovative research projects that enhance ORAU’s core scientific and technical competencies in partnership with a member university. The project should be achievable in 3 to 6 months, but no longer than 1 year, and is designed to produce "proof-of-concept"-type results leading to a white paper, conference presentation, and/or a technical publication with a clear proposal concept and identification of target funding sources.
