Research plays an important role in the discovery of ways our nation can advance and strengthen its priorities in education, health, science and engineering. Through collaboration with those from multi-disciplinary perspectives, amazing solutions can emerge. ORAU offers opportunities to connect with the research excellence offered by its internationally known subject matter experts and our 160+ member institutions.
ORAU is now accepting applications for its annual Education Grants program for 2026, offering grant funding for teachers in Anderson, Campbell, Morgan, Roane and Scott counties. Selected projects will be implemented during the 2026-2027 school year. Educators interested in applying for ORAU funding can complete and submit an online proposal. All proposals are due Friday, April 24, 2026.
Kelly Whalen, Ph.D., studies black holes and how they interact with galaxy growth as part of her research for the NASA Postdoctoral Fellowship Program. Whalen says there are a lot of misconceptions about black holes because of pop culture and science fiction depictions. There are different kinds of black holes, and they are not gigantic forces of destruction. She tells Further Together, the ORAU Podcast that black holes can also create by forming new stars. Whalen says being selected for the NASA NPP program is a dream come true and looks forward to continuing her research.
For more than 80 years, ORAU has served as a trusted partner to our government customers, our university consortium members, and our local community. In this video, you can meet some of the people behind the ORAU name.
