2 MESSAGE FROM THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR: I’ve had the privilege of leading the University Partnerships Division for the past three years. In that time, I’ve seen the organization change and grow into a robust program that keeps evolving. In fiscal year 2017, INL had $1.94 billion in total economic impact. Over 40 percent of the lab’s employees are approaching retirement, but our business volume stayed steady and is predicted to grow even more. We need a robust talent pipeline to keep our cutting-edge science and research progressing.This is why workforce development, creating a pipeline of talent to meet our workforce needs and strategic university partnerships are more important than ever. In 2017, INL University Partnerships’multifaceted programs hosted nearly 700 people from institutions all over the world.Through our academic visitor, faculty researcher, teaming teachers, international researcher, internship, joint appointment, postdoctoral appointment, practicum and INL Graduate Fellowship programs, INL provides students, teachers and professors hands-on laboratory experience and the opportunity to work with world-class personnel. Our employee education program helps laboratory employees succeed and grow in their current roles as well as qualify for additional opportunities. With additional funding from the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science, Office of Environmental Management, Nuclear Energy University Program and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, we are able to support additional internships at INL. Moving forward, University Partnerships remains committed to strengthening academic relationships and strategically recruiting and training the science and research leaders of the future. I’m excited to see what 2018 will bring. Sincerely, Michelle Thiel Bingham, MBA, CCP University Partnerships Program Director