WSU Tri-Cities Research

WSU Tri-Cities Research

Top faculty and renowned scientists intersect at WSU Tri-Cities, providing students with an unparalleled research and learning experience. Innovation happens in every corner of campus with our world-class research portfolio. Share the hallways with the world’s largest engineering firms, learn from productive and quality faculty and collaborate with researchers on problem-based projects.

Washington State University and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Joint Institutes

Washington State University and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory have a long history of collaborating on research projects as well as providing hands-on educational experiences that lead to career opportunities. In addition, more than 800 WSU alumni work at PNNL as scientists, engineers, and other professionals.

In 2018, WSU and PNNL accelerated this collaboration, expanding research and educational and training programs. They have formed three joint institutes to advance science and technology in areas that are critical for the nation and Northwest: Nuclear Science and Technology, Advanced Grid, and Bioproducts. See the news release, video, and photos from the April 3, 2018 launch celebration.

These collaborations are designed to:

• Combine the unique talents and resources of WSU and PNNL to address important scientific and technological challenges
• Elevate the quality and impact of research at both partner organizations, through seamless collaborations on multi-disciplinary projects and use of unique facilities and instrumentation at both institutions
• Educate and train the next generation of scientists and engineers in the relevant research disciplines
• Serve as a beacon for new talent in those fields
• Create and support an ecosystem of industrial, government and university participants who will benefit from the tools, technologies and discoveries that result from the Institutes.

Wine Science

Boasting one of only three Wine Science Programs in the country, WSU Tri-Cities remains on the cutting edge of technology and culture. Our newly opened Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Wine Sciences Center debuted in 2015 is considered one of the most technologically advanced wine science centers in the world. It features research laboratories and classrooms, a research and teaching winery, a two-acre vineyard and greenhouses to train technical personnel to support Washington’s large and expanding wine industry. Industry members, students and researchers from around the globe will use the center as a gathering place to spark innovation, fuel economic development and support local, regional, national and international collaboration and provide a catalyst for research breakthroughs.

Bioproducts, Sciences, and Engineering Laboratory

The Bioproducts, Sciences and Engineering Laboratory (BSEL) opened May 2008 on the Washington State University (WSU) Tri-Cities campus in Richland, Washington. The $24 million, 57,000-square-foot research and teaching laboratory is a partnership between WSU and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) operated by Battelle. BSEL features the Biorefinery and the Combinatorial Catalysis Research Lab, plus a variety of laboratories and classrooms. The facility establishes the Tri-Cities as a center for world-class bio-based product research and development, creates a magnet for prominent scientists, and helps the Northwest agriculture industry be more competitive.

Irrigated Agricultural Research & Extension Center (IAREC)

The Washington State University Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center (WSU-IAREC) is the focal point for the University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service (USDA-ARS), and the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) research, extension and plant certification programs that address the concerns of irrigated agriculture. An estimated two-thirds of the agricultural production in the state comes from irrigated land, making such research of vital interest to Washington’s economy, both for intrastate distribution and exportation.

IAREC faculty collaborate with faculty on the WSU Tri-Cities campus and work closely with our graduate students.