Startup partners with ORNL to develop new manufacturing process
Skuld, Cohort 2023 of Innovation Crossroads, continues to improve upon its manufacturing process with help from ORNL's MDF.
Blogs
Carbon fiber production reaches an Innovation Crossroads
Evan Stacy, Cohort 2025 of Innovation Crossroads, has launched startup Lumios Materials, to produce carbon fiber more efficiently, effectively and affordably.
Applied 2D Materials is fortifying steel for extreme environments
Alec Readel, Cohort 2025 of Innovation Crossroads, has launched startup Applied 2D Materials, which uses hexagonal boron nitride — a synthetic, layered ceramic material — to create a resistant coating for steel and other metals.
Watching the Water: ORNL teams monitor critical systems around the clock
Mechanical utilities operators work around the clock to monitor and maintain ORNL’s water, steam and cooling systems. From a central control room, teams track conditions across 17 miles of steam lines and respond to issues to keep research facilities running safely. Their behind-the-scenes work ensures the lab’s infrastructure supports experiments, supercomputing and daily operations.
Laboratory Shift Superintendent is always on call
The Laboratory Shift Superintendent team provides 24/7 emergency response and monitoring at ORNL, handling incidents from medical calls to security concerns. Staff dispatch responders, track alarms and maintain communications to ensure quick, coordinated action across the site.
Around-the-clock team powers Spallation Neutron Source research
A small team at Oak Ridge National Laboratory keeps the Spallation Neutron Source running around the clock, ensuring a powerful accelerator produces neutrons for cutting-edge research. Their work supports scientists worldwide studying materials, energy, and advanced technologies.
Inside the 24-hour race to deliver vital isotopes
Teams at ORNL's Radiochemical Engineering Development Center operate 24/7 to produce and deliver critical isotopes for medicine, space exploration, industry and national security. Staff manage tight schedules, short-lived materials and strict safety requirements to ensure reliable, continuous operations.
Pro Force protects ORNL 24/7 to safeguard people, research
ORNL’s Protective Force operates 24/7 to safeguard the lab’s people, facilities and research. Highly trained officers, many with military or specialized law enforcement experience, ensure security for thousands entering the campus each day.
ORNL supercomputer runs nonstop with operator support
Operators at Oak Ridge National Laboratory work around the clock to keep the Frontier supercomputer running, supporting researchers worldwide. The control room team monitors systems, responds to issues and maintains critical infrastructure to ensure continuous operations.
High Flux Isotope Reactor team keeps neutron source running day, night
ORNL’s High Flux Isotope Reactor runs around the clock, supporting global research and isotope production. The article highlights the small, dedicated teams, especially on night shifts, who keep operations safe and running smoothly. Despite the demands, the work is rewarding because of HFIR’s impact on science and technology.
Fire, EMS teams spend quiet nights preparing for busy ones
At ORNL, fire and EMS teams remain ready around the clock, responding to emergencies ranging from medical calls to hazardous incidents. During quieter night shifts, crews focus on training, equipment maintenance and coordination drills to stay prepared. Their extensive experience and advanced capabilities ensure they can handle nearly any situation at a moment’s notice.
Carbon fiber facility runs nonstop to refine materials
The Carbon Fiber Technology Facility at ORNL runs 24/7 during carbon fiber production, with technicians constantly monitoring and refining the process. These multiweek runs help improve a strong, lightweight material used across many industries while emphasizing teamwork and precision.