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University of Idaho highlights INL collaboration, water research, energy institute and physician training plans
Summary
University of Idaho President C. Scott Green described expanded partnerships with Idaho National Laboratory, new initiatives in water research and an Energy Institute, and potential changes to the WWAMI physician training partnership.
University of Idaho President C. Scott Green told the Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee on Jan. 27 that the university is expanding applied research and workforce programs in partnership with Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and other state and federal partners and is positioning to scale water, energy and health workforce efforts.
Green described a pending formalized agreement with INL that focuses on three areas: nuclear materials and fuel cycling engineering, integrated nuclear energy systems, and power engineering with cyber‑physical security safeguards. He cited examples of collaborative work such as 3‑D printing parts for molten salt reactor research and projects to reduce nuclear waste and secure hydrogen supply chains.
Why it matters: INL‑university partnerships support research, attract federal grants and drive workforce development for Idaho’s energy and national security industries. The university framed these partnerships as aligned with state energy goals.
Other research and program highlights
- Water resources research: Green said the university is directing the Idaho Water Resources Research Institute (IWIRI) to coordinate multi‑institutional water research, including projects on the Palouse Basin aquifer, the Big Wood Valley, Lake Coeur d’Alene water quality and collaborations on mine discharge and reclamation efforts. He said the institute will help Idaho governments and users prioritize research and make data more accessible.
- Energy Institute and wildfire research: Green announced an Energy Institute (funded by a private gift) and cited a $15 million grant supporting wildfire preparedness, prevention and recovery research. He said the new Energy Institute will examine all energy sources — nuclear, hydrogen, fossil fuels, hydropower and renewables — and noted an existing summer energy executive course with a 72‑year history.
- Physician training (WWAMI) and potential partnership with the University of Utah: The university told the committee it continues to operate the WWAMI partnership (University of Washington/Idaho medical education pathway) but is exploring an additional or alternative partnership with the University of Utah to expand rural physician training and capacity. Green said any change would require State Board approval and potentially legislation.
Ending
Green said the university’s research and outreach activities generate statewide economic impact and workforce development, and he asked legislators to consider ongoing support for research infrastructure and program expansion.
