Katharine Way Shaping Science Award

Dr. Katharine (Kay) Way—born in Sewickley, Penn., in 1903—was an American physicist and one of the Manhattan Project’s leading female scientists. While working as a professor at the University of Tennessee during World War II, a former professor recruited her to join the top-secret Manhattan Project and support the atomic energy program at the University of Chicago. Theoretical work there with Eugene Wigner led to what became known as the Way-Wigner formula for fission decay. 

In 1945, Way followed Wigner back to Oak Ridge, Tenn., when he became the director of research at Clinton Laboratory (now Oak Ridge National Laboratory). During a local University of Tennessee faculty members’ reunion party, Way made an exciting suggestion: “Oak Ridge,” she said, “has so many facilities that U.S. universities lacked. Why couldn’t it be made into a permanent educational institution itself?”

This notion—that Manhattan Project facilities could be connected with universities for the mutual goal of developing the scientists of the future—became the seminal idea that served as the foundation for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE). 

The Katherine Way Shaping Science Award recognizes individuals whose advocacy for ORISE embodies that same innovation and lasting impact. These honorees act as ambassadors, collaborators, and thought leaders, helping to elevate ORISE, foster partnerships, and drive meaningful impact across the entire science and technology enterprise. 

Criteria for honorees

Honorees are selected by any or all of the following criteria: 

1. Advocacy for ORISE mission and values
2. Support for ORISE initiatives
3. Thought leadership and scientific and technical influence
4. Fostering relationships and partnerships
5. Commitment to collaboration and support
6. Innovation and problem-solving