Our History & Mission
Establishing a Collaborative Vision for Global Security
The Institute for Nuclear Security (INS) was established in January 2012 by the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and is managed within the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy. Its formation marked a major step forward in unifying the region’s world-class nuclear expertise under a single, collaborative framework.
INS was born from the long-standing and productive relationships between the University and federal nuclear security institutions located in East Tennessee. As these collaborations deepened, it became clear that a dedicated regional institute was needed—one that could integrate efforts across disciplines and institutions.
Charter Members
The founding members of the Institute include:
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Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
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Y-12 National Security Complex
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Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU)
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University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Our Mission
The mission of the Institute for Nuclear Security is to:
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Align and amplify the collective expertise and capabilities of its members
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Become an internationally recognized resource for advancing nuclear security
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Support national and global efforts through education, research, policy analysis, and fieldwork
INS plays a pivotal role in addressing global nuclear security challenges by:
✅ Providing thought leadership and technical expertise to shape both U.S. and international nuclear security initiatives
✅ Enhancing national and international security by supporting every aspect of the nuclear security mission—from policy to field operations
✅ Strengthening the visibility and influence of its members through collaborative research and increased access to funding opportunities
A Unified Approach to a Global Challenge
INS operates as a facilitator of collaboration, bringing together academic, governmental, and industry partners to address multidisciplinary and multi-institutional challenges that no single entity can tackle alone.
By leveraging the combined strengths of its members, INS advances more effective, innovative, and scalable solutions to the most critical threats in nuclear security—contributing to both national resilience and global stability.