Mission & History
Launched in 2005 with Dr. Paul Gilman as its first director, the Oak Ridge Center for Advanced Studies (ORCAS) explores major issues of science and technology as contributors to our society, defines new directions in science and identify new tools of scientific discovery, and provides high tech venues for specialized graduate courses and highly focused, intensive collaborations.
ORCAS brings together intellectual leaders from government, research universities and laboratories, and industry to address highly complex, critical challenges with strong science and technology content. We frame problems broadly, taking into account their scientific, technical, economic, social and policy dimensions to develop integrated strategies for addressing those challenges. We bridge the worlds of research and education, ensuring that our studies offer attractive intellectual opportunities for senior researchers and students alike.