Any thoughts on Oak Ridge Laboratories?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around opinions and insights regarding Oak Ridge Laboratories, particularly in relation to its security protocols and research facilities. Participants explore the implications of these factors for potential students and researchers, especially in the context of condensed matter physics and neutron scattering studies.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in Oak Ridge and seeks opinions about the facility.
  • Another participant notes that Oak Ridge has significant Department of Defense (DoD) research, which entails stricter security background checks compared to other laboratories.
  • The Spallation Neutron Source is mentioned as a key upcoming facility for those interested in condensed matter research and neutron scattering.
  • Concerns are raised about the extent of security checks at Los Alamos, indicating that major checks are only required for classified work, while unclassified work may not necessitate such scrutiny.
  • Comparisons are made between security protocols at Los Alamos and Argonne, with one participant suggesting that Argonne has less stringent requirements for foreign nationals visiting the facility.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present differing views on the security measures at Oak Ridge and Los Alamos, with some emphasizing the necessity of background checks while others provide contrasting experiences regarding access and requirements at different laboratories. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the overall implications of these security measures.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific experiences and comparisons between laboratories, highlighting variations in security protocols and their impact on research opportunities. The discussion does not resolve the implications of these differences for prospective researchers.

ballistikk
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I'm thinking about UT-Knoxville, and I've been doing some research on Oak Ridge. I'm wondering if anyone has some opinions about the place.
 
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Oak Ridge, like Los Alamos, has a considerable DoD research and so, a tighter security background check.

The Spallation Neutron Source is being built and scheduled to start soon. So if you're into condensed matter and want to do neutron scattering studies of material, this would be THE place to be in a few years.

Zz.
 
ZapperZ said:
Oak Ridge, like Los Alamos, has a considerable DoD research and so, a tighter security background check.

The Spallation Neutron Source is being built and scheduled to start soon. So if you're into condensed matter and want to do neutron scattering studies of material, this would be THE place to be in a few years.

Zz.


In the case of Los Alamos, major security background checks are only done when the work you're doing requires clearance. Even in my division (where most people are doing DoD work) students doing unclassified work who don't need clearance do not have to go through security background checks (even including foreign nationals). Of course, we're not even allowed in the building where the rest of our division has their offices though.
 
franznietzsche said:
In the case of Los Alamos, major security background checks are only done when the work you're doing requires clearance. Even in my division (where most people are doing DoD work) students doing unclassified work who don't need clearance do not have to go through security background checks (even including foreign nationals). Of course, we're not even allowed in the building where the rest of our division has their offices though.

I don't mean the extensive security check. I mean your "regular" checks are still more extensive than someone wanting to work or visit Argonne, for example. We had foreign nationals (from none sensitive countries) having to apply almost 3 months in advance just to visit Los Alamos for a day in the civilian area. Here at Argonne, we barely require 3 weeks for the same case.

Zz.
 

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