The University of Chicago has close ties to two of the nation’s finest research laboratories. Since 1946, when it became the nation’s first national laboratory, Argonne has been managed by the University of Chicago for the Department of Energy. In October 2006, UChicago Argonne, LLC, a new entity formed by the University, won the M&O contract for Argonne. In January 2007, the University became co-manager of Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory joining forces with Universities Research Association to create Fermi Research Alliance (FRA), a limited liability company (LLC).
The University guides the strategic management and vision of both laboratories through Laboratory management boards made up of academic and industry leaders. The boards provide oversight and guidance to Laboratory management with respect to science and technology, long-range objectives, budget and facilities, cooperative research and development, outreach and technology transfer, personnel and staffing matters, and the relationship with the U. S. Department of Energy under the prime contract.
The Argonne Board of Governors also oversees a Science Policy Council that includes the vice presidents of research for the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, the vice chancellors of research at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the University of Illinois at Chicago, and the director of Argonne.
