• A representation of the crystal lattice of the thermoelectric compound Mg3Sb2 (magnesium atoms in orange, antimony in blue). An electric current is generated as heat traverses the material, propelled by phonon waves. Credit: Jill Hemman/ORNL)

    Heat to electricity

    Buzz about thermoelectrics heats up with promising new magnesium-based materials
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  • Virtual tours: Our 3D tours are the next best thing to actually being at the laboratory

    Virtual Tours

    Our 3D tours are the next best thing to actually being at the laboratory
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  • For the first time in 25 years, scientists will use deuterium and tritium to create a plasma inside the chamber of the Joint European Torus in the United Kingdom to study nuclear fusion. As in the earlier experiments, diagnostics systems developed by ORNL will play a key role in monitoring the plasma. Credit: EUROfusion

    Helping JET soar

    Equipment and expertise from ORNL will enable fusion energy researchers to gather crucial data during experiments at JET, the Joint European Torus facility
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  • ORNL’s Josh Michener, a microbiologist and metabolic engineer, led the discovery of a useful new enzyme that breaks down stubborn bonds in lignin, a polymer found in plants that typically becomes waste during bioconversion. Credit: Carlos Jones/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

    “No one had seen this kind of chemistry before”

    New enzyme breaks down waste for less expensive biofuels, bioproducts
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  • ORNL researchers found the papain-like protease (in orange) can bind to the human interferon-stimulated gene 15 protein (in blue) in multiple ways and shapes. Credit: Jill Hemman/ORNL

    Shape shifter

    Neutrons catch coronavirus protein complex in the act
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  • ORNL and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientists studied the formation of amorphous ice like the exotic ice found in interstellar space and on Jupiter’s moon, Europa. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

    Space ice, un-Earthly cold

    Researchers have created amorphous ice, similar to that in interstellar space and on icy worlds in our solar system
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  • As a water resources engineer, Carly Hansen uses her skills in engineering, remote sensing and data science to evaluate hydropower across the United States. Credit: Genevieve Martin, ORNL/U.S. Dept. of Energy.

    Carly Hansen

    Rethinking what’s possible for hydropower in the United States
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About Us

We apply expertise in advanced materials, supercomputing, neutrons, and nuclear science to national priorities in energy, security, and scientific discovery

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ORNL scientists have discovered a single gene that boosts plant growth and resilience, all while tackling the root cause of #climatechange by enabling plants to pull more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. DNA #NatLabsInnovate https://bit.ly/3cpLRYS
ORNL scientists have discovered a single gene that boosts plant growth and resilience, all while tackling the root cause of #climatechange by enabling plants to pull more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. DNA #NatLabsInnovate https://bit.ly/3cpLRYS
Calling all entrepreneurs: Techstars Industries of the Future Accelerator is accepting applications! ORNL, Tennessee Valley Authority and UT System are bringing 10 game-changing startups to the Knoxville-Oak Ridge area to tackle some of the world's biggest challenges.
Calling all entrepreneurs: Techstars Industries of the Future Accelerator is accepting applications! ORNL, Tennessee Valley Authority and UT System are bringing 10 game-changing startups to the Knoxville-Oak Ridge area to tackle some of the world's...
CONGRATS: ORNL's Amy Elliott is one of @YWCAKnoxville 's 2021 Tribute to Women honorees. The annual event recognizes outstanding female leaders in East Tennessee. #WomenInSTEM https://bit.ly/36IdKrO
CONGRATS: ORNL's Amy Elliott is one of @YWCAKnoxville 's 2021 Tribute to Women honorees. The annual event recognizes outstanding female leaders in East Tennessee. #WomenInSTEM https://bit.ly/36IdKrO

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Michelle Buchanan
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649
patents issued since 2005
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3,200
visiting scientists annually
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70
nationalities represented in ORNL's workforce
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146
active licenses