The University of Michigan (U-M) and Argonne National Laboratory formalized their long-standing collaboration on November 20 with a five-year memorandum of understanding. This strategic partnership aims to enhance joint research and innovation, focusing on education and scientific research between the Michigan-based university and the Illinois national laboratory.
Under this agreement, both institutions will concentrate on advancing joint research projects, facilitating exchanges of researchers and students, and organizing symposia and conferences. The initial focus is on maritime engineering, where U-M and Argonne researchers will explore energy systems, ship design, and advanced manufacturing.
“By combining Argonne’s strengths in computing, materials science, and advanced energy technologies with Michigan’s leadership in artificial intelligence, robotics, and data-driven engineering, we’re creating an innovation ecosystem that can tackle the nation’s most pressing challenges,” said Arthur Lupia, vice president for research and innovation.
U-M researchers have collaborated with Argonne scientists for years, notably through the Energy Storage Research Alliance, a Department of Energy hub led by Argonne. This alliance seeks to advance battery science, with U-M contributing expertise in materials engineering and systems modeling.
Workforce development is a key component, exemplified by the Battery Workforce Challenge. This program, managed by Argonne, prepares students for careers in battery technology, providing hands-on experience with engineering challenges.
Other collaborations include energy modeling for automated vehicles, digital twins for nuclear reactors, and grid resilience research. Recent site visits and discussions have revealed new opportunities in fields like energy storage, nuclear systems, and autonomous discovery.
“Today’s MOU signing between Argonne and U-M marks an exciting new chapter in our longstanding collaboration,” said Paul Kearns, director of Argonne National Laboratory. “Building on decades of joint successes, we are now expanding our focus to the maritime sector to support a thriving domestic shipbuilding ecosystem and strengthen our country’s national security.”
The partnership focuses on discovery, talent network building, and regional impact. By uniting Argonne’s expertise with U-M’s capabilities, the goal is to speed up the transition from discovery to application. The maritime sector, strengthened by U-M’s Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering program, is a primary focus.
Through shared appointments and workshops, the partnership will link students, postdocs, and researchers, fostering a talent network. Regional impact is emphasized by forming an innovation corridor to amplify industry collaboration and technology translation.
“What’s particularly exciting about this partnership is how it’s structured to be more than a series of individual projects,” said Monica Dus, director of U-M’s Office of National Laboratories. “By creating pathways for students and researchers to move between our institutions, we’re building a foundation for sustained collaboration.”
The memorandum does not impose financial obligations. Both institutions will seek external funding for projects and explore maritime-related opportunities through identified points of contact. The agreement is valid for five years.
Argonne National Laboratory, located in Lemont, Illinois, is a multidisciplinary science and engineering research center operated by UChicago Argonne LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy.
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