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Partners

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.