ORNL and Kyoto Fusioneering have established a public-private partnership to develop cutting-edge experimental infrastructure for testing next-generation tritium breeding blanket systems. The UNITY-3 facility will be sited at ORNL and complement existing facilities in Japan and Canada, advancing mutual research and commercial goals.
Witching Hour's technology uses robots and drones to add insulation to powerlines, reducing wildfire risk and costs. The innovative approach offers faster and more affordable solutions for utility companies and local communities.
Jon Taylor, with 25 years of experience in neutron scattering and scientific computing, leads the world-leading Spallation Neutron Source (SNS) and High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR). He aims to accelerate data-driven research projects and apply AI technology to enhance neutron science research.
The Oak Ridge National Laboratory is partnering with Type One Energy and the University of Tennessee to establish a world-class high-heat flux facility in East Tennessee. The facility will evaluate how materials react under extreme conditions in a fusion device, accelerating the development of plasma-facing components and enabling the ...
Shaun Gleason, director of the Partnerships Office at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, has been appointed to Tennessee's AI Advisory Council. He brings decades of experience advancing the use of AI technologies in various fields, including scientific discovery and manufacturing.
Denise Antunes da Silva, a senior R&D staff member at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, has been elected a Fellow of the American Ceramic Society. She is recognized for her sustained excellence in building envelope materials science and meaningful service to the scientific community.
Researchers Bryan Maldonado and Jin Dong elevated to IEEE senior membership, recognizing their technical and professional achievements in energy and transportation sectors. The honor is reserved for only a small fraction of the organization's members who have made significant contributions to the engineering field.
Brittany Rodriguez and Akash Phadatare have been recognized by SME's 30 Under 30 program for their work in advancing manufacturing technologies. They are both part of the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility at ORNL, where they collaborate with industry partners to develop new methods for efficient and scalable manufacturing.
Bruce Moyer has won the Carl Hanson Award for his contributions to solvent extraction, a process that separates substances from aqueous solutions. He has addressed challenges in recovering critical metals and treating nuclear waste using this method.
Researchers Sang-Ho Kim, An-Ping Li, Bronson Messer and Zac Ward recognized for their distinguished achievements in physics. They were cited by the APS Division of Physics of Beams, Topical Group on Instrument and Measurement Science, Forum on Outreach and Engaging the Public, and Forum on Physics and Society.
The Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory received prestigious awards at the 2025 Composites and Advanced Materials Conference (CAMX) for its groundbreaking multiplexing extrusion system and collaborative research on composite rocket nozzles. These innovations aim to reduce costs and lead time in manufacturing, while inc...
EPB Quantum℠ adds hybrid computing to its platform, enabling the analysis of trillions of operational data points from EPB's electric system. The new project aims to minimize electrical losses and voltage drops in power grids, enhancing reliability and capacity.
Researchers developed a scalable method for creating complex ceramic structures using binder jet additive manufacturing and advanced post-processing techniques. This innovation enables the production of high-quality, leak-proof components for critical applications like pharmaceutical or chemical processing.
The ORNL-led FIRE Collaboratives will focus on closing critical gaps in fusion materials, blanket and coolant technology, liquid metal components, and reactor modeling. The project aims to develop a new paradigm for fusion plasma-facing materials and accelerate the deployment of next-generation PFCs.
The Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory has been awarded $6.1 million to lead three research collaborations tackling fusion energy challenges. The projects focus on advanced materials, plasma diagnostics, and simulation technologies to accelerate the development of fusion energy.
The Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering has awarded Oak Ridge National Laboratory the 2025 SAMPE Organizational Excellence Award. The award recognizes ORNL's extraordinary contributions to advanced materials and processes, enabling breakthroughs in industries such as aerospace and automotive.
Jay Tiley, head of Materials Structures and Processing section at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, receives the TMS Distinguished Scientist award. He is recognized for his long-lasting contributions to engineering materials with significant industrial applications.
SkyNano, backed by Innovation Crossroads, receives $1.25M contract from U.S. Air Force to develop low-cost graphite for battery-grade applications. The project aims to create a secure domestic supply chain for lithium-ion battery materials.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory found that latitude affects lignin production in poplar trees, which has practical applications for innovations in biomaterials and biofuels. The study reveals a correlation between latitude and lignin expression, guiding future plant engineering to adapt to environmental changes.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory conducted a comprehensive analysis of plant-root compounds, revealing new insights into their interactions with microbes and the environment. The findings provide valuable data for developing stress-resistant, high-yielding bioenergy crops.
Researchers at ORNL have developed an automated large-area AFM platform to capture detailed observations of individual bacterial cells and broader views of larger biological architectures. The system revealed honeycomb-like patterns in bacteria, potentially strengthening biofilm cohesion.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a new method to improve the strength and conductivity of dry-processed battery electrodes using long carbon fibers. The resulting batteries exhibit faster charging and discharging rates, reduced risk of overheating, and lower production costs.
The lab utilizes AI to automate and accelerate nuclear license applications, reducing review times by approximately 90% compared to traditional methods. This innovation aims to improve the efficiency of the licensing process while maintaining safety standards.
The program provides access to ORNL's resources and connects entrepreneurs with experts and networks to accelerate their efforts. Innovators receive a fellowship, comprehensive mentoring assistance, and substantial grants to support collaborative research.
The collaboration aims to increase print quality and consistency for large-format 3D printing, enabling applications in hydroelectric dams, oil and gas industries, and more. ORNL's slicing software and JuggerBot 3D equipment will be refined to process thermosets independently and simultaneously.
The US Department of Energy's Isotope Program will supply a U.S. company with accelerator-produced actinium-225 for the first FDA-approved targeted cancer therapy clinical trial. This milestone marks a new pipeline for this lifesaving isotope, addressing its limited production due to complex manufacturing.
This innovative technology reduces dependence on critical REEs by creating high-performance magnets with less rare earth content. The technologies, developed in partnership with the Critical Materials Innovation Hub, aim to secure U.S. energy independence and technological leadership.
Melissa Cregger and Carrie Eckert lead CBI's research on non-food feedstock crops and cost-effective biomass conversion methods. The appointments aim to boost domestic supply chains and energy security while providing job growth in rural areas.
Researchers developed FLAT, a digital tool assessing laser scans to locate uneven areas on concrete slabs. The AI-assisted algorithm reduces foundation measurement time by over 90%, enabling faster building construction with minimal human involvement.
The fifth annual Quantum Science Center Summer School at Purdue University welcomed its largest group of students, with a focus on introductory presentations and technical talks. Graduate students and doctoral candidates led the program, which covered topics such as quantum materials, devices, and algorithms.
UT-Battelle has donated $225,000 to purchase advanced manufacturing equipment for Oak Ridge High School's Wildcat Manufacturing iSchool program. The equipment includes AI- and robotics-assisted manufacturing systems, enabling students to earn college credit while gaining experience with the latest innovations in intelligent manufacturing.
DELERIA, a novel software platform, is being developed to support the GRETA spectrometer in nuclear physics experiments. The platform enables real-time data analysis, allowing researchers to make critical adjustments during the experiment, leading to faster and more accurate results.
Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a novel vacuum-assisted extrusion method to reduce internal porosity in large-scale 3D-printed polymer parts by up to 75%. This innovation enables the production of stronger and more durable components for aerospace, automotive, and defense industries.
Scientists used a gene-silencing tool and large library to understand how photosynthetic bacteria adapt to light and temperature changes. Partial suppression of genes yielded big benefits in modifying stress response in wild microbes.
Five Oak Ridge National Laboratory scientists have been elected AAAS Fellows for their groundbreaking work in experimental condensed matter physics, microbial ecology, catalysis, and energy applications. Ho Nyung Lee was recognized for his research on oxide quantum materials, while David Graham's contributions to microbial biochemistry...
Materials Research Society elects Miaofang Chi and Rigoberto “Gobet” Advincula as Class of 2025 Fellows for their outstanding work on novel electron microscopy methods, advanced polymers, and nanostructured materials. New Fellows will be recognized at the MRS spring meeting in April 2025.
Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a new way to measure high-speed fluctuations in magnetic materials. This discovery could lead to advancements in technologies such as computing and data storage.
Researchers developed a new technique to predict nuclear properties, revealing how nucleus structure relates to its holding force. The study advances quantum physics and has implications for energy production and national security.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a method to edit polymers from discarded plastics, generating new macromolecules with more valuable properties. This process utilizes existing building blocks to provide added functionality and value, reducing energy consumption and emissions compared to traditional recycling.
The demonstration used automatic polarization compensation to stabilize the polarization of a signal sent over a commercial network with no downtime. The approach enabled continuous transmission of signals for more than 30 hours without interruptions.
Emrullah Aydin's work in modeling and simulation supported ORNL's record-setting wireless power transfer of 270-kilowatts to a light-duty passenger vehicle. He joined ORNL in 2022 as a postdoctoral researcher and became a staff member in 2023.
Vivek Sujan has been elected as a National Academy of Inventors Fellow for his significant contributions to the development of innovative powertrain and vehicle systems technologies. With over 250 patents, he is an expert in vehicle mobility systems and holds leadership roles at top organizations.
Shaun Gleason has been named director of the Partnerships Office, advancing entrepreneurship, commercialization, and technology transfer at ORNL. He brings a compelling vision to support the lab's strategic science and technology mission.
Four ORNL researchers were recognized as Highly Cited Researchers for their impact factor using data from the Web of Science. They exemplify excellence in science and collaboration, advancing their respective fields.
Teletrix's VIZRAD AR platform simulates ionizing radiation behavior using augmented reality technology, providing a safe and immersive way to learn about radiation without exposure. The platform offers improved training capabilities for workers in radiation-controlled areas.
At Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 104 researchers have reached this milestone. The honorees are working on strategies including advanced manufacturing and carbon management.
A landmark photosynthesis gene discovery has been made in a poplar tree that enhances plant growth by up to 200% and increases biomass production. The gene, named Booster, has the potential to boost crop yields without requiring more land, water or fertilizer.
Researchers at ORNL have developed a catalyst that can convert two polluting greenhouse gases into valuable building blocks for cleaner fuels and feedstocks. The catalyst, made of zeolite material, is resistant to degradation at high temperatures and has been shown to provide outstanding performance with extremely slow deactivation.
A team of researchers developed an exascale climate emulator that offers faster, radically enhanced high-resolution simulations without massive data storage needs. The emulator uses mixed-precision arithmetic to preserve accuracy and improve performance.
The team used Frontier to conduct a 1,000-fold larger simulation than any previous one, calculating over 2 million correlated electrons. This achievement sets a new benchmark for exascale supercomputing and provides a blueprint for enhancing algorithms to tackle larger scientific problems.