About ORAU

As a consortium of major Ph.D.–granting academic institutions, ORAU cultivates collaborative partnerships that enhance the scientific research and education enterprise of our nation.
ORAU Places Great Emphasis on Building Partnerships for Innovation

From our 121-member university consortium to our strategic partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), we bring together university faculty and students to collaborate on major scientific initiatives that help keep America on the leading edge of science and technology.

In addition, we leverage the collective capabilities of our university consortium by partnering with other national laboratories, government agencies, and private industry to:

  • Strengthen America’s scientific research and education enterprise to enhance global competitiveness
  • Build public trust and confidence in the management of worker health and environmental clean-up initiatives
  • Enhance our nation’s preparedness to respond to emergencies related to terrorist incidents, natural disasters and health threats

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, we also manage the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).


About ORAUORAU’s Center for Science Education, located in the heart of Oak Ridge, Tenn., is certified to the Gold level by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification for New Construction from the U.S. Green Building Council.

As a sustainable building, the CSE efficiently uses resources–energy, water and materials–while minimizing the building’s effects on human health and the environment during its lifecycle, while positively affecting economic performance. Sustainability is achieved through better siting, design, construction, operation and maintenance.