University partnerships are essential to the science and technology mission at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). By connecting complementary expertise, facilities, and talent, PNNL and its academic partners advance research, address national challenges, and prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers. 

PNNL’s Strategic University Network (SUN) provides a framework for building and strengthening these relationships. It helps align partnership opportunities with shared research interests, scientific capabilities, and workforce development goals. 

The SUN recognizes three types of engagement, each supporting different opportunities for collaboration: 

• Core partners engage in long-term, institutional-level collaboration across multiple PNNL research organizations and mission areas. PNNL’s current core partners are the University of Washington, Washington State University, and Oregon State University. 
• Mission partners collaborate with individual PNNL research organizations to address specific scientific and technical needs. These relationships are guided by the relevant research leadership teams. 
• Affiliate partners engage with PNNL on workforce development and talent opportunities across PNNL’s research and mission-support functions. 

These categories reflect the scope and focus of collaboration, not the value of the university’s contributions. PNNL values its relationships with universities across the network and the broader academic community and welcomes opportunities to build partnerships around shared interests and complementary strengths. 

For core partners, PNNL works to establish shared goals and reciprocal commitments that strengthen capabilities and advance larger research opportunities. The SUN will also help guide future joint institutes, joint appointments, and Distinguished Graduate Research Programs aligned with shared priorities. In addition to the PNNL’s SUN, project-specific individual research collaborations remain an important part of PNNL’s university engagement.