FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, March 24, 2005
University of California contact:
Chris Harrington (202) 974-6314
chris.harrington@ucdc.edu
New Mexico Consortium contact:
Terry Yates (505)277-6128
tyates@unm.edu
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AND NEW MEXICO UNIVERSITIES PARTNER TO FORM INSTITUTE AT LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORY
The University of California and a consortium of New Mexico higher education institutions, led by the University of New Mexico, today (March 24) announced their intent to form an Institute for Advanced Studies affiliated with Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL).
This institute would be established contingent on the University of California Board of Regents deciding to compete, and the university winning the contract, for continued management of the national laboratory.
This agreement solidifies the role of New Mexico universities as part of the teaming arrangement for a bid to compete for the Los Alamos National Laboratory contract, should the UC Board of Regents authorize such a bid.
Three New Mexico higher education research institutions have formed the New Mexico Consortium (NMC), which includes the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University and New Mexico Institute for Mining and Technology. Under this agreement, the consortium will contract with UC to form the Institute for Advanced Studies,which will provide the basis for cooperative scientific research between consortium members and Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) on a wide range of research topics.
"This is an excellent opportunity for the University of California, Los Alamos National Laboratory and these New Mexico institutions to partner to further the scientific and technological work being done in New Mexico and at this lab," said University of California President Robert C. Dynes. "This agreement will help UC and these New Mexico institutions to capitalize, in an efficient and timely manner, on forthcoming research opportunities."
"The University of New Mexico is pleased to lead the New Mexico consortium of universities that will partner with the University of California to promote excellence in science, technology, and education at LANL," said UNM President Louis Caldera. "There is no question that this collaboration will be highly beneficial for New Mexico and will serve the nation well."
The Institute for Advanced Studies will be a research and education center providing opportunities for consortium members to participate with LANL in the scope and content of fundamental and applied research.
Research at the institute may include astronomy, biology, computational science, environmental science, energetic materials, materials science, optics, quantum computing, water and radioisotopes, but any appropriate field will be considered.
Students, faculty and staff comprising the institute will be actively involved in the support of LANL's scientific programs by integrating them into ongoing efforts at LANL and the consortium institutions through several avenues for appointing and deploying their skills as students, post-doctoral participants, joint appointments and adjunct faculty.
The agreement provides students, faculty and staff the opportunity to participate in and contribute to important educational and scientific research opportunities and for LANL staff to participate in educational activities provided by the NMC universities leading to the overall enhancement of the quality and character of research performed at LANL and NMC institutions.
"This agreement will also enhance the recruitment and retention of qualified scientists, engineers and staff at LANL and NMC institutions and will broaden and further strengthen LANL and the consortium member's scientific capabilities," said Terry Yates, UNM vice president for research and economic development.
The University of New Mexico is also one of the national university collaborators in the Battelle Energy Alliance that manages the Idaho National Laboratory.
Under UC regental guidance established in January 2004, the UC president has the authority to enter into such teaming agreements with the concurrence of the chair of the Board of Regents and the chair of the regents' Committee on Oversight of the Department of Energy National Laboratories.
A decision on UC's participation in the competition to manage Los Alamos National Laboratory is expected after the Department of Energy releases its final request for proposals, which is expected in early spring.
The agreement between UC and the New Mexico Consortium will be made available to interested parties following a final decision by the Department of Energy regarding the future management of Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Background
The University of California manages three national laboratories on behalf of the Department of Energy. Today, Livermore and Los Alamos laboratories each employ more then 8,000 UC staff and have combined annual operating budgets exceeding $3.5 billion, while Berkeley Lab has approximately 4,000 employees and an annual budget of nearly $500 million.
The laboratories are major sources of scientific and technical strength for the nation in fields ranging from national security to basic physics, biotechnology, climate studies, computer development, materials science, energy and the environment. The three laboratories contribute to the country's economic competitiveness through research partnerships with industry and engage in math and science education for students and teachers at all levels.
Los Alamos National Laboratory is operated by the University of California for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) of the U.S. Department of Energy and works in partnership with NNSA's Sandia and Lawrence Livermore national laboratories to support NNSA in its mission.
Los Alamos National Laboratory develops and applies science and technology to ensure the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear deterrent; reduce the threat of weapons of mass destruction, proliferation and terrorism; and solve national problems in defense, energy, environment and infrastructure.
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