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As the largest science and energy laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy, ORNL conducts wide-ranging research to address the nation’s energy, environmental, and security challenges — ensuring America's future.
Research with Impact
Innovation
We strengthen America through discovery science enabled by multidisciplinary teams and powerful research tools, translating advancements to address national priorities. Building on our expertise and capabilities in materials, neutron science, nuclear science, and high-performance computing, we bridge the gap from fundamental research to real-world solutions, delivering breakthroughs that move innovations from the laboratory to national impact.
Energy
We develop technologies to ensure secure, affordable, and reliable energy to fuel the nation’s economic growth and energy independence. Our teams advance solutions across the full energy landscape — from generation and grid modernization to energy storage and end-use technologies — supporting the Department of Energy’s mission and America’s energy future.
Competitiveness
We accelerate the transition of research into critical applications that drive economic prosperity, reduce costs, and give U.S. industries an edge. Through strategic partnerships, technology transfer, and support for entrepreneurship, we foster innovation networks that create jobs, grow industries, and strengthen America's global competitiveness.
Security
We protect America’s future through scientific and technological breakthroughs that secure critical infrastructure and address emerging threats. Leveraging ORNL’s unique capabilities, we deliver technologies that safeguard the nation’s people, infrastructure, and economy against evolving security challenges.
Explore the Lab
As the Southeast's only DOE Office of Science national laboratory, ORNL has far-reaching impact, partnering with other federal entities, colleges and universities, the Tennessee Valley Authority, state and local governments, and hundreds of industry partners to make the region a fertile ground for discovery and innovation that produce solutions for the nation's energy, economy, and security.
User Facilities
ORNL hosts world-class scientific user facilities that are available to researchers from universities, industry, and other institutions. These unique facilities offer a diverse set of tools for experiments across a range of fields, including biology, materials and energy sciences, physics, engineering, and chemistry.
Community Engagement
ORNL’s strength lies not only in its scientific leadership but in the values that guide our work and the communities we serve. From a deep commitment to integrity, teamwork, and excellence, to meaningful engagement with local, national, and global partners, ORNL fosters a culture where people and purpose drive impact — ensuring our mission serves the public good and inspires future generations.
