About the Institute for Nuclear Security
The Institute for Nuclear Security (INS) is a campus-wide organized research unit housed within the Department of Nuclear Engineering at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Charter members include:
-
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
-
Y-12 National Security Complex
-
Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU)
Together, these organizations form a uniquely powerful coalition capable of solving today’s most pressing nuclear security challenges. INS members benefit from:
-
Close organizational ties and geographic proximity
-
Access to working nuclear facilities, including reactors, accelerators, hot cells, and special nuclear materials
-
Collaborative engagement in research of national and global relevance
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Founded in 1794, the University of Tennessee is a land-grant, public research university and the flagship campus of the UT System. It is home to:
-
9 undergraduate colleges
-
11 graduate and professional colleges
-
Nearly 31,000 students from all 50 states and over 100 countries
Zeanah Engineering Complex (ZEC)
In 2021, UT opened the Zeanah Engineering Complex, a 228,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility that now houses the Department of Nuclear Engineering. Features include:
-
Adaptable classrooms and high-tech teaching spaces
-
Modern laboratory environments for advanced nuclear research
-
A dedicated forensic clean room laboratory supporting INS initiatives
-
INS course instruction spaces tailored to nuclear security training
Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy
The Baker Center is a nonpartisan institute focused on public policy education, research, and civic engagement. It supports INS objectives through:
-
Academic courses and research programs
-
Student development and leadership opportunities
-
Public lectures and engagement events
Its core focus areas align with INS interests:
-
Energy and Environment
-
Global Security
-
Leadership and Governance
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
Managed by UT-Battelle LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy, ORNL is a multidisciplinary research institution that:
-
Conducts pioneering science to support clean energy and global security
-
Supports isotope production, data science, and technical program management
-
Partners with INS on nuclear technology, nonproliferation, and advanced R&D
Y-12 National Security Complex
As part of the NNSA’s Nuclear Security Enterprise, Y-12 plays a central role in national defense. The site specializes in:
-
Uranium processing and secure storage
-
Nuclear technology and materials development
-
Security, consequence management, and advanced manufacturing
Y-12 is a key operational partner in delivering nuclear security innovation and training through INS.
Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU)
ORAU is a consortium of 105 U.S. and U.K. universities headquartered in Oak Ridge, TN. ORAU’s mission is to:
-
Connect academic expertise with national laboratories and agencies
-
Facilitate student and faculty research opportunities
-
Advance America’s leadership in science, engineering, and public health
ORAU partners with INS to expand research collaboration and engage the next generation of nuclear security professionals.