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Scientists stands at podium in front of group; stage has green and blue lights

ORNL welcomed attendees to the inaugural Southeastern Quantum Conference, held Oct. 28 – 30 in downtown Knoxville, to discuss innovative ways to use quantum science and technologies to enable scientific discovery. 

seven scientists' headshots are listed horizontally in a graphic representing the Battelle Distingished Inventors

Seven scientists affiliated with ORNL have been named Battelle Distinguished Inventors in recognition of being granted 14 or more United States patents. Since Battelle began managing ORNL in 2000, 104 ORNL researchers have reached this milestone.

microscopic ctherm biomass

Using a best-of-nature approach developed by researchers working with the Center for Bioenergy Innovation at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory and Dartmouth University, startup company Terragia Biofuel is targeting commercial biofuels production that relies on renewable plant waste and consumes less energy. The technology can help meet the demand for billions of gallons of clean liquid fuels needed to reduce emissions from airplanes, ships and long-haul trucks.

Pictured here is the The S-adenosylmethionine molecule

Researchers have identified a molecule essential for the microbial conversion of inorganic mercury into the neurotoxin methylmercury, moving closer to blocking the dangerous pollutant before it forms. 

Oak Ridge National Laboratory entrance sign

The Department of Energy’s Quantum Computing User Program, or QCUP, is releasing a Request for Information to gather input from all relevant parties on the current and upcoming availability of quantum computing resources, conventions for measuring, tracking, and forecasting quantum computing performance, and methods for engaging with the diversity of stakeholders in the quantum computing community. Responses received to the RFI will inform QCUP on both immediate and near-term availability of hardware, software tools and user engagement opportunities in the field of quantum computing.

Eugene P. Wigner Fellow Huan Zhao working in his lab

Huan Zhao, a Eugene P. Wiger Fellow at ORNL, focuses on advancing quantum materials and information technologies, inspired by his grandfather's passion for education. His research in energy-efficient memory devices and sensitive quantum light sources reflects his commitment to scientific progress and education equity.

Verónica Melesse Vergara and Felipe Polo-Garzon pose in front of ORNL mural for photo with their arms crossed

Verónica Melesse Vergara and Felipe Polo-Garzon, two staff members at ORNL have been honored with Luminary Awards from Great Minds in STEM, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting STEM careers in underserved communities.

Image of Giuseppe Barca looking at two computer monitors, representing the team using Frontier to perform the first quantum chemistry calculations to exceed an exaflop.

Researchers led by the University of Melbourne, Australia, have been nominated for the Association for Computing Machinery’s 2024 Gordon Bell Prize in supercomputing for conducting a quantum molecular dynamics simulation 1,000 times greater in size and speed than any previous simulation of its kind.

An image depicting the process of parallel quantum-enhanced sensing

Researchers from ORNL have taken a major step forward in using quantum mechanics to enhance sensing devices, a new advancement that could be used in a wide range of areas, including materials characterization, improved imaging and biological and medical applications.

Illustration of a hydrogen atom.

Scientists at ORNL used neutrons to end a decades-long debate about an enzyme cancer uses.