Skip to main content
Researchers are looking at computers, working with a bright blue box in the middle of the table

Researchers at ORNL are using microwave radar reflection to nondestructively detect and measure the moisture content of materials within walls without removing drywall or cladding. This also expedites the moisture identification process and enables mold growth to be treated in the early stages.

Two scientists are standing in the lab pointing at an object on the table, both wearing glasses.

ORNL, as a partner in the DOE’s Stor4Build Consortium, is co-leading research with several national laboratories to develop thermal energy storage to complement electrical battery storage and recently hosted a two-day workshop focused on advancing these technologies.

3D map of Washington, D.C. that is a weather model of neighborhood during heat waves. The map is red and green indicating which buildings are giving off more heat
Scientists at ORNL have developed a first-ever urban heat wave simulation that takes into account the compounding effects from building infrastructure. The method provides a more accurate picture of the impacts from excessive heat on at-risk
HempWool, Hempitecture’s hemp fiber batt insulation is being cut here

Hempitecture, a graduate of the Innovation Crossroads program, has been awarded $8.4 million by the DOE's Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains. As part of the grant, Hempitecture will establish a facility in East Tennessee. 

Supriya Chinthavali is standing with the Summit supercomputer at ORNL

The Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity, in partnership with ORNL, has launched an experimental platform for energy sector-related data with enhanced emphasis on governance and usability. 

10 members of JUMP into STEM leadership are standing on the ORNL quad posting with the poster

Science, technology, engineering and math students from colleges across the nation who participate in the next DOE Building Technologies Office’s JUMP into STEM competition will tackle three new challenges: building affordability, peak power demand and indoor comfort in extreme climates. 

Shantonio Birch, founder of ThermoVerse is pictured here

ThermoVerse and Expanding Frontiers have made strides in energy innovation by securing wins in Phase 2 of the Department of Energy’s American-Made Lab MATCH Prize, a competition designed to accelerate commercialization of national laboratory technologies.

Larry York is sitting in front of a computer screen showing an image of plant phenotyping

The Advanced Plant Phenotyping Laboratory at ORNL utilizes robotics, multi-modal imaging, and AI to enhance understanding of plant genetics and interactions with microbes. It aims to connect genes to traits for advancements in bioenergy, agriculture, and climate resilience. Senior scientist Larry York highlights the lab's capabilities and the insights from a new digital underground imaging system to improve biomass feedstocks for bioenergy and carbon storage.

A new Global Biomass Resource Assessment developed by ORNL scientists gathered data from 55 countries, shaded in green, resulting in a first-of-its kind compilation of current and future sustainable biomass supply estimates around the world.

A new Global Biomass Resource Assessment developed by ORNL scientists gathered data from 55 countries resulting in a first-of-its kind compilation of current and future sustainable biomass supply estimates around the world. 

Portraits of Kowalski and Salonvaara side by side

Stephen Kowalski and Mikael Salonvaara received the Distinguished Service Award, which salutes members who have served the society with distinction in chapter, regional and society activities.