The new partnership, through a memorandum of understanding, will allow the two sets of specialists to embark on joint hurricane research projects in their particular fields. Los Alamos has proven expertise in large-scale computer modeling and simulation applied to population mobility, critical infrastructure protection and the interrelationships that can come crashing down in hurricane conditions. Among the areas of interest between the two entities will be expansion of modeling and simulation tools toward better understanding of evacuation planning, urban growth and infrastructure expansion, storm surge and flood modeling and wildfire modeling.
The mission of the LSU Hurricane Center is to advance the state-of-knowledge of hurricanes and their impacts on the natural, built and human environments; to stimulate new interdisciplinary/collaborative research activities; to transfer this knowledge and technology to students and professionals in concerned disciplines and to assist the state, the nation and the world in solving hurricane-related problems.
"This is an outstanding opportunity for collaboration," said DV Rao, Decision Applications Division leader. "There is an urgent, proven need for better tools to avoid, reduce and recover from the effects of hurricanes and other natural disasters. As we develop and perfect tools that can help so much, it simply makes sense to reach out to other experts and leverage our strengths. LSU will be an excellent partner in this area."
Participating scientists at both institutions will be involved in several meetings each year to discuss joint research and future proposals, and a dedicated computer network will be set in place to enhance their collaborations. Students and professional staff will have the opportunity for short- and long-term visits between the two facilities, and outreach will extend to other universities and agencies as the partnership matures.
The memorandum of understanding was signed by DV Rao representing Los Alamos National Laboratory and James L. Bates, director of the Office of Sponsored Programs at Louisiana State University and A & M College.
Los Alamos National Laboratory, a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security, is operated by Los Alamos National Security, LLC, a team composed of Bechtel National, the University of California, The Babcock & Wilcox Company, and Washington Group International for the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration.
Los Alamos enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns.