Celebrating Battelle’s history in the Tri-Cities | Guest Opinion
Original research is mankind’s most powerful weapon in solving problems of the future.
This inscription on Battelle’s original building in Columbus, Ohio, portrays the enduring vision and contributions of Battelle over the last 90 years. As we celebrate our 90th anniversary, I’d like to share how your community has been a part of applying science and technology to deliver innovative solutions to some of the nation’s toughest challenges and how Battelle is investing in the problem-solvers of tomorrow.
Battelle has been a long-standing partner with the Department of Energy in the management and operation of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. Today, we are the largest employer in the Tri-Cities area with more than 4,100 intelligent, innovative individuals contributing to the Lab’s success.
When I joined Battelle in 2017, I was excited to be a part of a company built on the legacy of Gordon Battelle. It was his will that led to the creation of an institution that not only focused on conducting research to make the world a better place, but also directed a portion of its earnings be invested in improving education and the quality of life.
Over our 90-year history, Battelle has made significant breakthroughs in health, energy, environment, and national security. Our innovations range from developing armor plating for World War II tanks to developing the first Xerox machine, pioneering technologies for optical discs to researching biodefense technologies following the Gulf War. Today we are at the forefront of neurotechnology.
Battelle is known for managing national laboratories for the U.S. government — with PNNL being the first of eight we manage today. PNNL’s distinctive strengths in chemistry, earth sciences and data analytics drive its science mission and underlie innovations that drive scientific discovery, improve our nation’s energy resiliency, and enhance our national security.
Our management of national labs centers on what we call “simultaneous excellence.” Beyond delivering innovative solutions to complex challenges, this operating philosophy focuses on efficient and safe operations and meaningful community engagement.
PNNL staff members have been engaged in this community for decades, contributing to economic development and regional educational activities. In addition, over the last 50+ years we have managed the Lab, we’ve made more than $28 million in philanthropic investments in the community. For example, Battelle contributed more than $2 million to the REACH Museum that opened in 2014.
With our $1.5 million contribution, we helped realize the vision for Delta High School, the Tri-Cities’ first STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) school. Battelle is continuing this legacy of leadership and philanthropic giving. In honor of our 90th anniversary, I announced earlier this week that Battelle is contributing $1 million to the Washington State STEM Education Foundation in support of STEM education in the region.
The combination of Battelle’s philanthropic giving, PNNL and DOE’s leadership and support, and the partnerships across the Tri-Cities and region is a recipe for success. Together, we’re helping attract and prepare the world’s future problem-solvers — making the world a better place in ways that would make Gordon Battelle proud.
This story was originally published July 20, 2020 at 3:50 PM with the headline "Celebrating Battelle’s history in the Tri-Cities | Guest Opinion."