Researchers and students from across South Carolina convened at Clemson University on March 5, 2024, to foster collaboration and advance shared research interests with the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL). The annual SRNL University Partnership Day serves as a platform for establishing new research collaborations aimed at enhancing innovations in energy resilience, advanced manufacturing, nuclear security, and environmental science. The event featured panel discussions, research presentations, and highlighted career opportunities for students and postdoctoral researchers.
Bob Jones, Interim President of Clemson University, emphasized the significance of SRNL, stating, “SRNL has become a significant national asset, a launchpad where we are connecting science to national security, energy resiliency, nuclear and critical technologies, and advanced manufacturing.” He noted the importance of the university’s partnership with the newly formed Battelle Savannah River Alliance (BSRA), which aims for transformative advances in these fields.
The BSRA, established in 2020 by the U.S. Department of Energy, comprises several institutions, including Clemson, Georgia Institute of Technology, South Carolina State University, University of Georgia, and University of South Carolina, along with small business partners such as Longenecker & Associates and TechSource. The event also included participation from representatives of Duke Energy and the Palmetto Nuclear Coalition.
Clemson faculty have collaborated with SRNL scientists for decades, focusing on solutions for nuclear waste storage, advanced materials, environmental protection, and energy security. The formalization of this long-standing relationship through BSRA has opened numerous opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students to engage in research alongside SRNL scientists and Clemson faculty.
The outcomes of this partnership are tangible. Since its inception, the collaboration has resulted in the awarding of 22 scholarships to undergraduate students and the hiring of eight graduate students, two research scientists, and three postdoctoral research associates. Additionally, Clemson and SRNL have established six joint faculty appointments, which aim to bolster research and facilitate student training and workforce development.
Tanju Karanfil, Clemson’s Senior Vice President for Research, Scholarship, and Creative Endeavors, highlighted the partnership’s broader impact. “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 to lead national security, energy, and manufacturing innovation into the future,” he stated. Karanfil underscored that this collaboration positions South Carolina as a leader in these vital areas.
The annual event not only enables academic and professional growth but also enriches the educational landscape in South Carolina. By nurturing innovation across energy, security, and manufacturing sectors, Clemson University and SRNL are paving the way for advancements that could significantly impact both local and national interests.
