Sandia, Georgia Institute of Technology Form Academic Collaboration

In early June, Sandia and the Georgia Tech signed a five-year memorandum of understanding (MOU), establishing a strategic collaboration that seeks to solve science and technology problems of national importance in the areas of energy and grid security, advanced manufacturing, computer science and data analytics, microsystems and sensors, cybersecurity, and materials science. The MOU’s goals are to: solve major national problems; engage talented researchers to work on practical, complex problems early in their academic careers; and introduce new ideas and technologies into the marketplace through jointly developed intellectual property.

“We will build on the existing strong relationship between Georgia Tech and Sandia. The MOU brings together one of the outstanding engineering programs in the nation and one of the most accomplished engineering laboratories in the world,” Sandia President and Laboratories Director Paul Hommert said. “Our goal is to foster an environment that advances innovation and impactful technical solutions.” Georgia Tech President G. P. “Bud” Peterson added, “This MOU furthers Georgia Tech’s research strategy, which is focused on the pursuit of transformative research, strengthening collaborative relationships and maximizing the economic and societal impact of our research.”

Sandia and Georgia Tech have been collaborating for many years, most recently in computer science and advanced computer architectures, energy systems, manufacturing, and materials science. Many Georgia Tech students and faculty spend time at Sandia, while Sandia counts many Georgia Tech graduates among its staff members.

Georgia Tech has 12 core research areas, many of which correspond to some of the major research foundations and mission areas of Sandia National Labs.

Both institutions will take multidisciplinary approaches to solving national problems and developing new technologies. Georgia Tech is known for its ability to break down traditional academic barriers and assemble interdisciplinary teams, while Sandia’s scientific research and systems engineering approach form the foundation for the labs’ seven decades of contributions to national security.

Opportunities for joint faculty appointments and for research sabbaticals are expected to enhance collaborations further, Hommert and Peterson said.

Read the Sandia news release.