In addition to the vast resources of Battelle's 75-year-old research organization, Battelle Italia also can draw upon the technical expertise at the five national laboratories Battelle manages for the U.S. Department of Energy.

"We are excited to be in Italy and look forward to enhancing our relationships with government and commercial customers," said Paul K. Kearns, who will lead Battelle Italia. "Establishing Battelle Italia allows us to provide more complete and responsive solutions to our customers' challenging energy, environmental, and security problems."

Kearns has extensive experience in the energy, nuclear waste management, and environmental fields having worked as Director of the Idaho National Engineering and Environmental Laboratory. That lab, now called the Idaho National Laboratory, conducted research and development for the U.S. Department of Energy and other customers in nuclear energy, national security, homeland protection, spent nuclear fuel management, environmental restoration, waste management, fossil energy, energy efficiency, and renewable energy. Prior to that, Kearns held management positions at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

The U.S. Embassy planned a reception on May 25 to welcome Battelle and to introduce the company to key government and commercial customers.

Battelle is a global leader in science and technology. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, it develops and commercializes technology and manages laboratories for customers. Battelle, with the national labs that it manages or co-manages, oversees 19,000 staff members and conducts $2.9 billion in annual research and development. Battelle innovations include the development of the office copier machine (Xerox), pioneering work on compact disc technology, medical technology advancements, and fiber optic technologies.