WVU, OSU create partnership for shale energy research, outreach and education

13 February 2013

Officials at The Ohio State University and West Virginia University have signed a memorandum of understanding creating a shale energy partnership between the two schools, agreeing to work collaboratively to develop a joint program of research in the Appalachian Region’s developing shale energy industry.

As each state’s land-grant institution, Ohio State and WVU share a mission to serve the people of their respective states through research, on-campus education, and outreach. Consistent with this mission, Ohio State and WVU will collaborate on scholarly work and instruction focused on shale energy. Together, these institutions will address the complex issues related to shale development, including the economic implications of natural gas and other hydrocarbons, as well as the possible impacts of such development efforts on the environment, local communities and public health.

The MOU acknowledges that research and education related to shale energy development must be of high value to students, faculty, and the public. The two schools will exchange information and jointly explore funding of shale energy and related environmental studies before, during, and after the development of the Utica and Marcellus shale plays, including the possibility of developing shale energy field laboratories.