The Texas A&M University System (TAMUS) National Laboratories Office (NLO) has developed a multi-element program to help TAMUS researchers:
- Develop collaborative ties with researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL).
- Obtain funding for TAMUS-LANL collaborative research projects.
- Formalize long-term relationships where appropriate, such as through joint appointments.
The goal of this program is to increase the number and depth of research[1] collaborations that benefit the TAMUS, LANL and the individuals involved. A key strategy toward that goal is to encourage and enable TAMUS researchers to spend time with LANL researchers and learn about LANL missions that are supported by research in their areas of interest. The time spent establishing relationships with LANL staff and learning about its missions and unsolved problems greatly increase the likelihood of long-term funded collaborations that benefit all parties.
*Learn more on the LANL FY23 mission priorities from John Sarrao (Deputy Director- Science, Technology and Engineering) (Video). Also available here is the LANL 2022 Lab Agenda covering all areas of interest.
Elements of the program
Exploration mini-grants are designed for TAMUS researchers who have the skills, knowledge and interest to develop long-term collaborative ties with LANL researchers but do not already have such ties. A typical mini-grant would pay travel costs for a TAMUS researcher to visit one or more LANL researchers to determine if there is mutual interest in pursuing a long-term collaboration.
Learn more about exploration mini-grants
Development fellowships are designed for TAMUS researchers who have the skills, knowledge and interest to develop long-term collaborative ties with LANL researchers and have already identified one or more LANL collaborators who are willing and able to engage in collaborative research. A typical development fellowship would fund up to 1.5 months of salary for the TAMUS researcher to work with the LANL collaborator(s) to write a joint proposal or research publication.
Learn more about development fellowships
Research projects are designed for TAMUS researchers who have established ties with LANL collaborator(s) and identified research topics suitable for joint effort and funding from the TAMUS and LANL. A typical research project would provide funding for four years. Funding would include one month per year of the researcher’s salary plus a stipend, tuition and fees for one graduate student. A LANL collaborator would typically serve on the graduate student’s committee.
Learn more about research projects
Long-term relationships can be formalized for TAMUS researchers with whom long-term engagement is of strategic interest to LANL. This could take the form of a joint appointment of indefinite duration, under which LANL funds a portion of the TAMUS researcher’s time each year and the researcher spends significant time working on problems of interest to LANL.
2022-2023 LANL Collaborative Program Award Announcement
2020-2021 LANL Collaborative Program Award Announcement
2019-2020 LANL Collaborative Program Award Announcement
[1] The term “research” includes a broad range of research and development activities.