LSU signed partnership agreements with Argonne and Oak Ridge National Laboratories to further research, develop technologies and create new solutions for energy, chemicals and critical materials manufacturing on a state and national level.
Argonne and Oak Ridge both have world-class research facilities, and they are two of 17 national laboratories under the U.S. Department of Energy.
This partnership connects national energy priorities with the direct application of research on the Gulf Coast that LSU facilitates. The two laboratories and LSU will work together to ensure reliable and affordable energy in America’s future and to protect the country against cyber threats.
Their mission includes many collaborative projects ranging from nuclear energy and chemical manufacturing to maritime transport.
This partnership will foster a faculty, student, staff and postdoctoral exchange program where LSU team members can gain hands-on training at Argonne. The scientists at Argonne will work directly with LSU at research sites and test beds in the state as well as with LSU’s energy industry partners.
Louisiana dominates in energy, petrochemicals, minerals refining and offshore operations, and the state has access to many waterways. Those factors paired with LSU’s expertise and impact create ideal conditions for innovation.
“By connecting our ambitious research objectives and complementary capabilities, we aim to accelerate innovation that strengthens U.S. economic competitiveness,” said Paul Kearns, director of Argonne National Laboratory, in the press release.
An important focus of this partnership is training future energy leaders.
“This partnership will help foster the next generation of innovators, ensuring our nation remains a global energy and industry leader,” said Stephen Streiffer, director of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, in the press release. “Together, we will accelerate scientific breakthroughs that strengthen energy security and underpin economic growth.”
LSU’s partnerships with Argonne and Oak Ridge follow an agreement LSU made with Idaho National Laboratory in March 2025. That agreement aims to advance work in nuclear energy, integrated energy systems and cybersecurity.
“These agreements place LSU at the center of the nation’s energy and national security priorities,” said LSU Chancellor Jim Dalton in the press release.
