COLLEGE STATION—The Texas A&M University System announced today its affiliation with Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC (LLNS), which was selected in May to be the management and operations contractor for Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL). LLNL is a premier applied science laboratory that is part of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA). The Texas A&M System is an academic affiliate of LLNS, a management team that includes Bechtel National, Inc., the University of California, BWX Technologies, Inc., Washington Group International, Inc and Battelle. The A&M System’s role, subject to DOE approval, will be to operate an institute at LLNL dedicated to national security education and research. The concept paper to establish the institute was presented and discussed today at the regular meeting of the A&M System Board of Regents. Once approved, the institute will collaborate with LLNS to develop educational and research programs in three areas: detection and prevention of the proliferation of nuclear and radiological weapons; large-scale computer simulations of complex physical processes; and homeland and international security. The institute also will collaborate with LLNS to develop a multidisciplinary educational program. Three A&M System members—Texas A&M University, the Texas Engineering Experiment Station and the Texas Agricultural Experiment Station—are partners in the System’s academic alliance with LLNS. The collaboration is led by Marvin Adams, associate vice president for research and professor of nuclear engineering at Texas A&M University. Adams is slated to become director of the institute when it is officially established by the A&M System Board of Regents. “The A&M System is pleased to be chosen by the LLNS team to provide academic and research support to Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, a key part of the U.S. security infrastructure,” said Michael D. McKinney, chancellor of the A&M System. “Our System’s unique blend of expertise in the science and policy aspects of national and international security, combined with Texas A&M University’s strong legacy of national service, positions us well to serve in this new and exciting program.” “We are excited about this partnership and the opportunity to add to Texas A&M’s long tradition of national service,” said Adams. “Through our institute, the Texas A&M System and Lawrence Livermore will enhance the capabilities of today’s national security professionals and prepare our students to become tomorrow’s outstanding professionals.” Faculty in several colleges at Texas A&M will participate in the collaboration, including the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Bush School of Government and Public Service, Dwight Look College of Engineering, College of Science and College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. Also involved in the institute are the Integrative Center for Homeland Security, the Nuclear Security Science and Policy Institute and the Center for Large-Scale Scientific Simulations, all located at Texas A&M. Other A&M System universities involved with the institute are Prair ie View A&M University and Texas A&M University-Kingsville. “Through this partnership we will combine the signature strengths of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory along with the Texas A&M University, to address some of the nation’s most pressing national security issues,” said Dr. Cherry Murray, principal associate director for Science and Technology at LLNL. “Equally important, we will provide the critical training future generations will need to ensure our nation is prepared to answer its security challenges.” About Livermore National Laboratory Livermore National Laboratory, established in 1952, is one of the Department of Energy’s three premier nuclear weapons laboratories. It performs sensitive national security missions, including helping to ensure that the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile is safe, secure and reliable without underground nuclear testing, and countering the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. About The Texas A&M University System The A&M System is one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a budget of $2.6 billion. Through a statewide network of nine universities, seven state agencies and a comprehensive health science center, the A&M System educates more than 103,000 students and makes more than 15 million additional educational contacts through service and outreach programs each year. Externally funded research brings in almost $620 million every year and helps drive the state’s economy. Contact: Terri Parker or Tina Evans Phone: (979) 458-6023 Email: SysComm@tamu.edu