Kennesaw State University has joined the Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) research consortium, according to a March 25 announcement. KSU is one of 13 new institutions added as members at ORAU’s annual meeting this month.
Membership in ORAU gives KSU access to a national network of more than 170 institutions that collaborate on research initiatives and connect students with federal research opportunities. The consortium partners with government agencies, industry, and academia, most notably managing the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education for the U.S. Department of Energy.
“We are excited to join the ORAU consortium and contribute to its mission of advancing scientific discovery and building the nation’s technical workforce,” said Karin Scarpinato, Kennesaw State’s executive vice president for research. “Together, we look forward to connecting our faculty, students, and expertise with ORAU’s network to develop the next generation of scientific leaders and strengthen the health, safety, and resilience of our communities.”
The university reports that joining ORAU aligns with its strategic goals of increasing research productivity and impact while investing in student support. Since 2021, KSU’s research awards have risen by 53 percent; its expenditures have more than doubled since 2022. Next month on its Marietta Campus, KSU will open its first major research facility—the Robin and Doug Shore Innovation Center—which will serve as an interdisciplinary hub for teaching and investigation.
Before officially becoming an ORAU member institution, Kennesaw State had already collaborated with the organization on several projects. Last year researchers Chetan Dhital and Madalynn Marshall received a grant from both the U.S. Department of Energy and Oak Ridge National Laboratory for work aimed at improving high-tech device efficiency.
“Adding 13 new members to our University Consortium demonstrates that the value proposition for our members continues to attract interest and new institutions,” said Ashley Stowe, ORAU chief research and university partnerships officer. “ORAU’s University Consortium is a force multiplier in bridging federal and state agency interests with academia and industry. Our new consortium members will build upon the momentum our team has created to strategically position ORAU for the future.”
