Supporting DOE and other federal agencies' missions to strengthen the nation's science education and research initiatives
The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) asset that is dedicated to enabling critical scientific, research, and health initiatives of the department and its laboratory system by providing world class expertise in STEM workforce development, scientific and technical reviews, and the evaluation of radiation exposure and environmental contamination.
ORISE accomplishes its mission by providing superior, integrated solutions to:
- Recruit and prepare the next generation of our nation’s scientific workforce
- Promote sound scientific and technical investment decisions through independent peer reviews
- Facilitate and prepare for the medical management of radiation incidents in the U.S. and abroad
- Evaluate health outcomes in workers exposed to chemical and radiological hazards on the job
- Ensure public confidence in environmental cleanup through independent environmental assessments
ORISE performs this work for DOE and its national laboratory system and for non-DOE entities through the Strategic Partnership Projects program.
How is ORISE different?
ORISE supports scientific initiatives, but does not perform them directly. What makes ORISE a world-leading scientific institute is deep subject matter expertise. ORISE provides access to premier scientific user facilities and large-scale, multidisciplinary research programs unavailable in universities or industry. ORISE is increasing global reach by making this expertise and extraordinary access available to all stakeholders worldwide. Rollover the icons below to see how ORISE supports DOE and other federal agencies.
ORISE develops the next generation of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) professionals;
ORISE promotes quality of federally-funded research through peer review;
ORISE operates the Radiation Emergency Assistance Center/Training Site (REAC/TS);
ORISE provides information on the long-term health outcomes of current and former workers; and
ORISE provides capabilities to independently assess environmental cleanup.
With offices primarily located in Oak Ridge, Tenn., ORISE is commonly confused with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). ORNL is DOE’s largest science and energy laboratory, conducting basic and applied research to deliver transformative solutions to compelling problems in energy and security. ORNL is managed by UT-Battelle, LLC, for the U.S. Department of Energy. Though ORNL contracts certain services from ORISE, it has no direct role in its management.
ORISE is managed by ORAU, a university consortium of more than 100 major Ph.D.-granting academic institutions and a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. ORAU has been working with government agencies, universities, and corporate entities since 1946 to advance scientific research and education, protect health and the environment, and strengthen national security.
ORISE Impact Book
Touching the lives of more than 55,000 faculty and students, 1.5 million energy workers and countless others living in communities near 500 DOE sites in 42 states, the impact of the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education has been felt nationally and internationally. From its beginnings the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education has helped DOE magnify its reach and focus its efforts on national mission and priorities.
The scope of this two-decade impact is chronicled in a 147-page book, “Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education: Delivering Agile Mission Solutions for DOE to Strengthen and Secure America,” published by ORAU.
