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SRNL Appoints Roderick Jackson as New Associate Laboratory Director

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. ackson-as-new-associate-laboratory-director.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, January 17th 2026 at 18:16 GMT
      Locale: UNITED STATES

AIKEN, SC - January 17, 2026 - The Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL), a vital hub for scientific innovation and national security research, has announced the appointment of Roderick Jackson as its new Associate Laboratory Director for Science, Energy, and Innovation. This strategic hire underscores SRNL's commitment to maintaining its leading edge in critical research areas and addressing the nation's complex energy and defense challenges.

Jackson's arrival marks a significant injection of expertise and experience into the laboratory's leadership team. He brings a career spanning over 25 years dedicated to nuclear science and engineering, a field increasingly crucial for advancements in both energy production and national security. His appointment signals a renewed focus on accelerating research and development across these interconnected domains.

Prior to joining SRNL, Jackson held a prestigious leadership role as Director of the Nuclear Science and Technology Directorate at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). During his tenure at INL, he oversaw a broad portfolio of research projects, demonstrating his ability to manage complex scientific programs and foster collaborative partnerships. This experience will be instrumental as he takes on the responsibilities associated with his new position at SRNL.

Jackson's role at SRNL will be multifaceted and demanding. He will be directly responsible for guiding and expanding SRNL's research and development initiatives within the science, energy, and innovation sectors. This includes championing new project proposals, ensuring effective resource allocation, and maintaining a rigorous focus on achieving impactful results. A key element of his leadership will be facilitating collaboration - both internally between SRNL's diverse teams and externally with universities, industry partners, and government agencies. The goal is to leverage collective expertise to accelerate scientific breakthroughs.

Dr. Jim Bates, Director of SRNL, expressed his enthusiasm for Jackson's arrival, stating, "Roderick's extensive experience and proven leadership will be invaluable as we continue to advance SRNL's mission." Bates highlighted the importance of Jackson's skills in navigating the evolving landscape of energy and national security research.

The incoming Associate Laboratory Director's credentials are undeniably impressive. Jackson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, recognized as a leading institution in the field. He furthered his education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, earning both a Master's degree and a Doctorate in Nuclear Engineering. His academic achievements are complemented by his professional recognition as a Fellow of the American Nuclear Society and a Member of the National Academy of Engineering, further solidifying his standing as a respected figure in the nuclear science community.

"I am excited to join the SRNL team and contribute to the laboratory's important work," Jackson stated, reflecting his eagerness to contribute to SRNL's ongoing advancements. He specifically emphasized his anticipation of collaborating with SRNL's talented workforce to tackle the nation's most pressing challenges, underscoring the collaborative and problem-solving spirit that will characterize his leadership.

SRNL's work remains vital to the nation's energy security, environmental remediation efforts, and defense capabilities. With Jackson's leadership and expertise, the laboratory is poised to continue its legacy of scientific innovation and contribute significantly to the nation's future.