Advancing a healthy, secure and sustainable future
We are a global leader in isotope research, development, and production, meeting the nation's emerging needs for stable and radioactive isotopes.
From essential needs in the medical and industry to national security applications and basic research, the Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate (ISED) is at the forefront of isotope development for the Oak Ridge National Lab (ORNL) and the world.
Our Mission
Our Mission
ISED meets the nation's emerging needs for stable and radioactive isotopes through:
- Advancing the expansion of the applications and production of isotopes
- Serving as the nation's steward of enrichment technology
- Operating the unique facilities that comprise ORNL's isotopes and nuclear materials complex
Our Science
Enrichment Science and Engineering
The Enrichment Science and Engineering Division (ESED) serves the nation in two critical areas: advancing enrichment technologies and exploring stable isotope production and applications.
Isotope Processing and Manufacturing
The Isotope Processing and Manufacturing Division (IPMD) was formed in June 2022 to streamline the routine manufacturing of isotopes into efficient, quality-controlled processes.
Nonreactor Nuclear Facilities
The Nonreactor Nuclear Facilities Division (NNFD) operates, maintains and modernizes nuclear facilities, managing infrastructure, staffing, and processes needed to support research and development.
Radioisotope Science and Technology
The Radioisotope Science and Technology Division (RSTD) is a global leader in actinide science, research and development of the 15 metallic chemical elements with atomic numbers from 89 to 103, actinium through lawrencium.
Our people
Our people
We’re a team of more than 500 – and growing! – scientists, engineers, technicians, facilities experts and other professionals dedicated to isotope science. We work to not only increase isotope production, but also find more applications for isotopes in medicine, research, industry and national security.
In addition to making vital advances in the uses and production of radioisotopes, we develop new technologies that enable us and others to enrich and separate stable isotopes for important national missions. We operate, maintain and expand ORNL’s unique facilities, where crucial isotope and nuclear materials research happens – research that will continue the 80-year-plus legacy of ORNL as a world leader in isotopes.
What we learn and do here, we know, will impact generations to come.
Facilities
Radiochemical Engineering Development Center
Irradiated Fuels Examination Laboratory
Irradiated Material Examination and Testing Facility
High Flux Isotope Reactor
Stable Isotope Production Facility
Isotope Research Materials Laboratory
Radioisotope Development Laboratory
ISED provides excellent stewardship of ORNL’s nuclear and radiological facilities — the Radiochemical Engineering Development Center and numerous other hot cell facilities — that are critical in guiding the lab’s efforts to broaden the application of isotopes for energy, environmental, medical and national security purposes.
Jeremy Busby
Associate Laboratory Director, Isotope Science and Engineering Directorate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
News
ORNL to produce critical industrial radioisotope Ir-192
Changing process leads to purer Pm-147 — and more of it
Intern working to make pellet inspection for Pu-238 Supply Program faster, safer