R&D GROWTH: UMASS AND BATTELLE JOIN FORCES

Seek to Become National Leader on Interconnected Issues of
Ocean Management, Climate Change, and National/Human Security

 

 

 

 

BOSTON, July 29, 2010 -- The University of Massachusetts Boston and R&D leader Battelle Memorial Institute have formed an exploratory alliance for the purpose of becoming a recognized leader in the complex intersection of issues that are the focus of the university’s newly established Collaborative Institute for Oceans, Climate, and Security (CIOCS).


“CIOCS seeks to expand upon the emerging awareness of policymakers in the defense and intelligence communities that climate and ocean change are critical factors in our human and national security considerations,” Executive Director Robbin Peach said. “Founded on the principle that through collaborative alliances we can better address threats that continue to mount as climate and oceans drastically change, the Collaborative Institute exists to develop and communicate high-value intellectual policy and technical expertise to help stabilize the health of our atmosphere, marine ecosystems, and coastal communities. We are thrilled to have the world-class experience of Battelle as a collaborator.”

 

“Our involvement with CIOCS at this level illustrates our commitment to forming local but world changing collaborations,” said Leslie-Ann McGee, director of Battelle’s Ocean and Coastal Solutions. Battelle is an international science and technology nonprofit enterprise that explores emerging areas of science, develops and commercializes technology, and manages laboratories. The Battelle Duxbury campus is a world-renowned environmental and marine science research facility.

 

CIOCS is currently expanding participants in the research and policy debates on oceans, climate, and security to include much broader government representation and civilian participation, particularly universities, NGOs, industry, independent think tanks, and the media; identifying, developing, and communicating the unique role and impact of oceans in the climate change-security continuum; and undertaking special research and policy development on urbanized coastal regions, particularly the 50 mile in and 50 mile out “white water-to-blue water” urbanized zones.


About Battelle As the world’s largest, independent research and development organization, Battelle provides innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing needs through its four global businesses: Laboratory Management, National Security, Energy Technology, and Health and Life Sciences. It advances scientific discovery and application by conducting $5.6 billion in global R&D annually through contract research, laboratory management and technology commercialization. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Battelle oversees 20,400 employees in more than 130 locations worldwide, including seven national laboratories. Battelle also is one of the nation’s leading charitable trusts focusing on societal and economic impact and actively supporting and promoting science and math education. To learn more about Battelle, visit www.battelle.org.

 

About UMass Boston With a growing reputation for innovative research addressing complex urban issues, the University of Massachusetts Boston, metropolitan Boston’s only public university, offers its diverse student population both an intimate learning environment and the rich experience of a great American city. UMass Boston’s seven colleges and graduate schools serve nearly 15,000 students while engaging local, national, and international constituents through academic programs, research centers, and public service activities. To learn more about UMass Boston, visit www.umb.edu.

 

CONTACT:

Robbin.Peach@umb.edu, 617-287-5770 or Katy Delaney at delaneyk@battelle.org, 614-424-7208