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• Experience the thrill of research at the cutting edge and camaraderie with prestigious scientists and engineers.
• Meet and collaborate with the people who are world and international experts in fields that interest you.
• Contribute to the U.S. technical prowess that will enhance living standards and set the nation at the top of a global community.
• Work on solutions to pressing scientific problems.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is a multiprogram 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@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.

GENERAL ELIGIBILITY

• A U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien (PRAs are subject to DOE clearance approval for laboratory entry)
• At least 18 years old
• Pursuing a degree or career in science, mathematics, engineering, technology, or related fields

• You are planning to enter a college or university and hold a letter of acceptance from that institution.
• You are currently enrolled as an undergraduate.
• You have a degree from an accredited two- or four-year college or university.
• You are currently enrolled as a graduate student.
• You are ready to conduct thesis or dissertation research.
• You are a member of the teaching faculty of a college or university.

Note:  There are also specific eligibility requirements for each of the categories above.

• A U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien (PRAs are subject to DOE clearance approval for laboratory entry).
• At least 18 years old.
• Pursuing a degree or career in science, mathematics, engineering, technology, or related fields.

• You are currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student.
• You are currently a member of the teaching faculty of a college or university.
  

• Stipend (determined by category of participant).
• One round trip between home or school and ORNL.
• Tuition and fees for off-campus programs (offered for students only, at the discretion of the research mentor).
• Housing allowance (for students whose permanent address is more than 60 miles from Oak Ridge).

Click here to see the scope of research conducted at ORNL. In completing your application, you will be asked to specify up to three research areas in which you are interested. 

VERIFYING RECEIPT OF REFERENCES

You can check to see if your references have been received by logging into your application and clicking on the “click here to view reference status” link at the bottom of each application page. Remember, references must be received before your application will be released for review, even if you have completed and submitted the application form. A complete application consists of a completed application form and two references, both of which must be academic.

 SELECTION

• Selection is made by the hosting scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in conjunction with the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education.
• The selection of a participant is based on academic coursework, references, scientific interests, compatibility of the applicant”s background and interests with the research programs at ORNL, and the availability of funds, programs, and staff.
• Recruitment and selection of participants is done without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, national origin, mental or physical disability, or status as a Vietnam Era veteran.

A person selected for an appointment is required to:

• Have coverage under a health insurance plan and provide proof of such coverage. It is the responsibility of each participant to secure insurance coverage before arriving at the appointment site.
• Return required paperwork BEFORE the appointment begins.
• Avoid obligations that will interrupt the term of the appointment.
• Follow all regulations required by ORNL.
• Participate in seminars, poster sessions, and symposiums and provide final reports as required.

A Word About Intellectual Property Rights

Participants in HERE@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.

For information on program deadlines and how to apply, click on the button below that best describes the level for which you are applying.

Research Participation

• Entering College Freshman
• Undergraduate
• Post BS and Post AAS Degree
• Graduate Student
• Master’s or Ph.D. Thesis Research
• Faculty

Research Travel Visit

Programs in higher education will continue to include the ORNL Postmaster's Research Participation Program for postmaster’s participants and the ORNL Postdoctoral Research Associates Program for postdoctoral 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. It is expected that several special OUSE interactions such as Alliance for Minority Participation, UPR Cayey, Ruth Ann Verell Scholarship, and others will utilize the proposed program mechanisms or above mentioned programs for education opportunities at ORNL.

Call the staff at ORISE: 

Students: 
Cheryl Brummett-Brown at (865) 241-3824, cheryl.brummett-brown@orau.org

Faculty: 
Norma Patterson at (865) 241-2877, norma.patterson@orau.org 

 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS