Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science national laboratory that develops scientific and technical solutions to address the nation’s most pressing challenges related to energy, the environment, and national security. PNNL is managed by Battelle for the DOE Office of Science. Located in Richland, Washington, PNNL has approximately 2,400 staff members and occupies more than 586 acres (237 hectares) on the Hanford Site near the Columbia River.
PNNL’s research portfolio includes work in data science and computing; energy systems; environmental science and engineering; fundamental and computational sciences; material science and engineering; national security; systems biology; and nuclear physics. The laboratories extensive computing capabilities are a major driver of its research programs. Capabilities include high-performance computing systems, data analysis tools, cyber infrastructure, modeling and simulation tools, and experimental facilities. These resources enable scientists to conduct large-scale analyses that would be otherwise impossible due to the size or complexity of the data sets or problems being addressed. PNNL also operates user facilities that are open to researchers from academia, industry, other government organizations, and international users. User facilities at PNNL include EMSL –the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory–a DOE Office of Science user facility for studies in environmental molecular sciences using state-of-the-art instrumentation and techniques; the Marine Sciences Laboratory–a unique coastal marine research facility located in Sequim WA with direct access to Puget Sound waters; M3 –the Materials Measurement Science Division Neutron scattering Facility–one of five neutron scattering user facilities supported by DOE’s Office of Basic Energy Sciences that provides neutron beams for studying materials at the atomic level; PACIFIC –a radioisotope production facility that provides radioisotopes for medical therapies and industrial applications worldwide while also conducting pioneering research on new radioisotopes with potential applications in cancer treatment, diagnosis, & imaging as well as homeland security & nonproliferation safeguards .
PNNL was established in 1965 as part of President Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society initiative to expand federal investment in basic research conducted at universities nationwide. The initial focus was on developing reactor fuel elements for civilian nuclear power plants but within months after opening its doors , PNNL had shifted gears towards applied research related to defense needs during the Cold War era . Over time , as global geopolitics changed , so too did PNNLS mission areas with a refocusing on issues related to energy independence & environmental stewardship following oil shocksin 1973 & 1979 respectively . In recent years , under both Republican & Democratic administrations alike , there has been an increased emphasis on using federally funded basic research conducted at places like PNNLto find solutions to some of society’s most pressing challenges including those related to climate change & renewable energy technologies . Given this history it should come as no surprise then that much of PNLL’S current $1B+ annual budget comes from competitively awarded grants & contracts rather than through Congressional appropriations
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is uniquely positioned among Department Of Energy (DOE) labs because it is one Of only three multi-program national laboratories overseen by The DOE office Of science Which Is responsible For Fundamental scientific discovery And advancing The fronts Of knowledge In fields Such As high performance computing environment And biological Systems . Furthermore , What distinguishes pnnl From Other world – Class Laboratories Is Its ability To draw On deep Expertise In multiple Disciplines To solve Problems That others Cannot this Interdisciplinary nature Is exemplified By recent Breakthroughs In areas Ranging from Developing New Materials For use In Lithium – Ion batteries which have revolutionized Electric Vehicle Technology To designing Genetically engineered Yeast That Can Produce Ethanol More Efficiently Than corn – Based Methods currently used In many Parts Of The world but Even more importantly Is pnnls dedication TO public service whether It Be partnering With local communities To provide them WithThe resources They need TO make Smarter decisions about Land use Or working WITH first responders TO help Them better Prepare FOR natural disasters such AS wildfires OR earthquakes all OF these examples Demonstrate how pacific northwest national laboratory IS truly A place Where discovery Meets application