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Few things carry the same aura of mystery as dark matter. The name itself radiates secrecy, suggesting something hidden in the shadows of the Universe.

Andrea Delgado, Distinguished Staff Fellow at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, uses quantum computing to help elucidate the fundamental particles of the universe. Credit: Carlos Jones/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

Andrea Delgado is looking for elementary particles that seem so abstract, there appears to be no obvious short-term benefit to her research.

The yellow breasted chat is one of more than 200 bird species found on the Oak Ridge Reservation. Credit: Lee Smalley

The public is invited to six nature walks designed to highlight not only the rich flora and fauna diversity of the Oak Ridge Reservation, but also to demonstrate the work being done to sustainably manage and conserve this valuable resource.

Brenden Ortiz, an ORNL Wigner Distinguished Staff Fellow, is helping design the next generation of quantum materials. Credit: Genevieve Martin/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

For as long as he could remember, Brenden Ortiz wanted to do only one thing. “My childhood dream was to be a scientist. All I wanted to do was tinker in a lab like a pure scientist,” Ortiz said.

Jeff Foster, Distinguished Staff Fellow at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, is looking for ways to control polymer sequencing for a variety of uses. Credit: Carlos Jones/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

Chemist Jeff Foster is looking for ways to control sequencing in polymers that could result in designer molecules to benefit a variety of industries, including medicine and energy.

A researcher works in a lab in the Radiochemical Engineering and Development Center, or REDC,  at ORNL’s main campus. The REDC provides world-class capabilities in isotope production, research and development, source fabrication, and the distribution of various unique isotopes. Here, experts handle some of the most exotic materials in the world. Credit: Carlos Jones, ORNL/U.S. Dept. of Energy

A series of new classes at Pellissippi State Community College will offer students a new career path — and a national laboratory a pipeline of workers who have the skills needed for its own rapidly growing programs.

ORNL engineer Ahmed Elatar explained his profession to students in Jessica Everitt’s 2nd grade class at Hardin Valley Elementary School in Knoxville, Tennessee, during Engineers Week. Credit: Jessica Everitt

Nine engineers from ORNL visited 10 elementary and middle school classrooms in three school districts during National Engineers Week, Feb. 21 to 24, 2023, describing and demonstrating the excitement of the engineering profession to more than 300 Tennessee students.

Frances Pleasonton seals a vacuum chamber in 1951.

The old photos show her casually writing data in a logbook with stacks of lead bricks nearby, or sealing a vacuum chamber with a wrench. ORNL researcher Frances Pleasonton was instrumental in some of the earliest explorations of the properties of the neutron as the X-10 Site was finding its postwar footing as a research lab.

 Leadership from Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the National Energy Technology Laboratory signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly explore carbon management strategies in the Appalachian region. Credit: NETL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

ORNL is teaming with the National Energy Technology Laboratory to jointly explore a range of technology innovations for carbon management and strategies for economic development and sustainable energy transitions in the Appalachian region.

The next generation of the Center for Bioenergy Innovation will pursue an accelerated feedstock-to-fuels approach for the efficient, economic production of sustainable jet fuel. Credit: ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy

The Center for Bioenergy Innovation has been renewed by the Department of Energy as one of four bioenergy research centers across the nation to advance robust, economical production of plant-based fuels and chemicals.