What does ORNL do? | ORNL

In the eight decades since Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s founding, our research has advanced understanding of the world around us — while building foundational infrastructure and expertise to support scientific discovery globally. From energy and the environment to human health and national security, ORNL is committed to solving the challenges that matter to you.

Advances affordable and reliable nuclear energy

Applies trustworthy AI to scientific discovery

Deploys innovations for more competitive manufacturing

Produces 250 isotopes to kill cancer, power NASA, secure ports, and more

Develops ways to recover, reuse, or use fewer rare earth minerals

Explores quantum power and potential

Demonstrates essential steps toward fusion energy

Helps keep the power grid reliable, resilient and secure

Builds and operates the world's fastest supercomputers

Keeps citizens and infrastructure safe

Helps companies bring innovations to market

Runs one-of-a-kind research facilities for scientists world-wide

3D-prints cars, boats, homes, and more

Invests time and talent in our communities

Builds self driving labs for faster discovery

Models black holes, exploding stars, and the birth of the universe

Makes lighter, stronger materials to save billions of dollars

Equips teams to deliver scientific breakthroughs

Helps train the next generation of scientists

Studies how diseases and medicines behave

Improves biofuels for airplanes and industrial use

Builds safer, longer-lasting batteries

Seeks physics beyond the Standard Model

Designs high-speed wireless charging systems for EVs