2021 Virtual Graduate Research Summer Institute

For questions, contact ORNL-GSO@orise.orau.gov.

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory Virtual Graduate Research Summer Institute (vGRSI) program provides research opportunities, chances to connect with ORNL researchers, and associated activities for graduate students. The summer institute is designed to complement academic programs by utilizing the unique resources and mentorship from world-class scientists of Oak Ridge National Laboratory to enhance science, mathematics, engineering, and technology education; encourage careers in science and technology; and improve scientific literacy.

The program’s goals are to:

The emphasis on a research mentoring approach allows vGRSI appointees to become integral members of ORNL research and development teams. The appointees gain exposure to current national issues in science and technology, have opportunities to share and exchange innovative ideas and techniques, and make significant contributions to ORNL programs. Depending on the nature of the research and availability of funding, participants are encouraged to publish and present research findings and write funding proposals as part of a research team to enhance their own professional development. The interaction of ideas, skills, approaches, and technologies will be of mutual benefit to the fellow and ORNL.

The vGRSI program is managed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory and administered by the STEM Workforce Development Unit of the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE), which is managed by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) for the U.S. Department of Energy.

Researchers from any of Oak Ridge National Laboratory's mission areas may review vGRSI applications and issue an appointment offer. ORNL boasts state-of-the-art capabilities across a wide range of scientific and engineering disciplines, including materials science and engineering, computer and computational science, neutron scattering, neutron science and technology, biological and environmental research, nuclear physics and engineering, fusion and fission science and technology, and energy efficiency and renewable energy (building technologies, advanced manufacturing, transportation technologies).

Oak Ridge is also the place to be for scientists and engineers who want to be leaders in their disciplines while addressing challenging problems in a multidisciplinary environment. Our researchers work in laboratories with world-class, often unique, facilities including the Spallation Neutron Source, High Flux Isotope Reactor, Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, Oak Ridge Leadership Computing Facility, National Transportation Research Center, Manufacturing Demonstration Facility, Buildings Technologies Research and Innovation Center, Center for Advanced Simulation of Light Water Reactors, and many more. Many research groups are cross-disciplinary and projects may be supported by multiple Divisions and Directorates.

Review the research areas at ORNL to determine what best fits your career goals & identify your areas of interest & key terminology that can be used as you answer application questions or update your resume. You can see the eight key areas at www.ornl.gov.

To be considered for this opportunity, applicants must:

1. Be currently enrolled in a Master's or Doctoral degree-seeking program at a regionally accredited U.S. college or university

2. Have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

3. Be 18 years of age

All awards and active participation in the program are contingent upon security access approval to Oak Ridge National Laboratory, agreement with the Terms of Appointment, and completion of all contingencies in the offer letter. All contingencies of an appointment offer must be met before the applicant can begin an appointment.

The vGRSI program does not have citizenship requirements, although specific research projects may have additional restrictions. If a selected applicant is not a U.S. citizen, they must obtain and show proof of a valid visa status allowing us to pay them a stipend. Once an offer has been made, the ORISE Immigration Office may guide the process of obtaining appropriate immigration documents. Participants who are foreign nationals must also receive approval and clearance from the U.S. Department of Energy; this process is initiated by ORNL after an application has been selected.

Appointments require a commitment to the research program at ORNL. The participant's research must be conducted in a manner and according to a time schedule that meets the overall research needs of ORNL.

All vGRSI participants are required to submit a report and present a poster at the end of the program.

Participants receive a monthly stipend based on their educational level. Stipend payments are taxable as an educational benefit. There will be a delay before you receive you first stipend payment. You should be prepared to cover all personal expenses for the first 30 days of your appointment.

* Denotes class status completed prior to start date with ORNL and as defined by college/university.