Missouri S&T and Idaho National Laboratory (INL) held a signing ceremony Tuesday, April 7, during a visit by INL leaders to the university for a collaboration aimed at advancing research and educational opportunities.

The partnership was formalized through a memorandum of understanding highlighting their joint commitment to the Strategic Understanding for Premier Education and Research (SUPER) initiative.

The agreement outlines the intentions of INL and Missouri S&T to collaborate on various research and development projects of mutual interest, including integrated energy systems, advanced nuclear reactors, electric power and grid systems and security, and advanced materials and manufacturing for extreme environments. The agreement will provide expanded opportunities for students, faculty members and researchers from both institutions.

Dr. Todd Combs, INL deputy laboratory director for science and technology and chief research officer, says the partnership focuses on leveraging the strengths and common scientific interests of both organizations to perform innovative research activities.

“This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to scientific excellence and our dedication to addressing the world’s most pressing energy challenges,” Combs says. “Together, we are poised to make significant strides that will benefit both our institutions and society at large.”

Within the scope of this collaboration, INL and Missouri S&T will:

• Collaborate in research areas of mutual interest
• Exchange academic and research materials
• Exchange visiting research scholars
• Hold cooperative symposia, seminars, workshops and conferences
• Establish a joint appointment program to enhance research and academic collaborations.

The partnership will target key research areas that align with INL’s vision to change the world’s energy future and secure our nation’s critical infrastructure. The identified research areas include:

• Integrated energy systems
• Advanced nuclear reactors
• Electric and power grid systems and security
• Advanced materials and manufacturing for extreme environments.

The collaboration between INL and Missouri S&T is expected to foster significant advancements in these fields, promoting scientific and technological innovation.

“Missouri S&T has been a proud partner with INL for years, and we are thrilled to take our collaborations to an even higher level with this agreement,” says Dr. Joseph Newkirk, S&T chair and professor of nuclear engineering and radiation science. “With our strong foundation in nuclear research and education, it makes perfect sense for S&T to work alongside a premier national research laboratory. This partnership opens new pathways for our students and faculty to contribute to solving some of the world’s most critical energy challenges.”

About Missouri S&T

Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) is a STEM-focused research university of over 7,000 students located in Rolla, Missouri. Part of the four-campus University of Missouri System, Missouri S&T offers over 100 degrees in 40 areas of study and is among the nation’s top public universities for salary impact, according to the Wall Street Journal. For more information about Missouri S&T, visit www.mst.edu. 

About Idaho National Laboratory

Battelle Energy Alliance manages INL for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy. INL is the nation’s center for nuclear energy research and development, and also performs research in each of DOE’s strategic goal areas: energy, national security, science and the environment. For more information, visit www.inl.gov.