The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) main campus in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, serves as a hub for STEM workforce development, scientific research participation, and technical services for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and other federal agencies. Established in 1992, it focuses on preparing the next generation of scientists, engineers, and health professionals through hands-on training, fellowships, and internships at premier national laboratories and facilities.
Programs at this campus emphasize practical experience, with participants contributing to real-world projects at sites like Oak Ridge National Laboratory. ORISE bridges the gap between education and national security, health, and environmental priorities, hosting thousands of researchers annually. The campus infrastructure supports advanced simulation, laboratory analysis, and educational outreach, making it a cornerstone for scientific advancement in the United States.
The South Campus of ORISE, located adjacent to Oak Ridge National Laboratory, concentrates on advanced research support, environmental monitoring, and specialized training in radiation and nuclear sciences. This facility enhances DOE's capabilities in assessing occupational health risks, emergency response, and large-scale scientific user programs.
This campus integrates with ORNL's world-class facilities, providing participants access to unique instruments like supercomputers and neutron sources. Emphasis is placed on interdisciplinary approaches to solve complex challenges in energy, security, and sustainability. ORISE South Campus plays a critical role in validating scientific data, ensuring research integrity, and training experts for national emergencies involving radiation or hazardous materials.
The Pollard Conference Center campus hosts educational conferences, workshops, and public outreach events focused on radiation history, science education, and professional development. Home to the ORAU Museum of Radiation and Radioactivity, it specializes in historical and practical training in radiation science.
This campus emphasizes communication of complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences, from students to policymakers. It supports ORISE's mission by fostering partnerships and knowledge dissemination, with state-of-the-art meeting spaces accommodating lectures, demonstrations, and interactive sessions. The integration of museum resources with training programs makes it unique for experiential learning in radiation and radioactivity.