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Illustration of melting point of lithium chloride, which is shown with green and blue structures in two rows.

Scientists have developed a new machine learning approach that accurately predicted critical and difficult-to-compute properties of molten salts, materials with diverse nuclear energy applications. 

Paul Kairys

Paul is exploring the next frontier: bridging quantum computing with neutron science. His research aims to integrate quantum algorithms with neutron scattering experiments, opening new possibilities for understanding materials at an atomic level.

Two cabinets of ORNL's Frontier supercomputer are open to show the blue and red cords on the inside.

Working in collaboration with researchers from Oak Ridge National Laboratory, D-Wave Quantum Inc., a quantum computing systems, software and services provider, has shown its annealing quantum computing prototype has the potential to operate faster than the leading supercomputing systems. 

ORNL researcher Fehmi Yasin poses for a photo outside with green trees blurred in the background

Fehmi Yasin, inspired by a high school teacher, now researches quantum materials at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, aiming to transform information technology with advanced imaging techniques.

Jairus Hines standing in the lab with a drone on the wall behind him

Jairus Hines, an electronics and unmanned systems technician at ORNL, works with airborne, waterborne and ground-based drones. As part of the lab’s Autonomous Systems group, he applies "low and slow" drone technology to radiation detection for national security missions.

Pictured here is the The S-adenosylmethionine molecule

Researchers have identified a molecule essential for the microbial conversion of inorganic mercury into the neurotoxin methylmercury, moving closer to blocking the dangerous pollutant before it forms. 

Eugene P. Wigner Fellow Huan Zhao working in his lab

Huan Zhao, a Eugene P. Wiger Fellow at ORNL, focuses on advancing quantum materials and information technologies, inspired by his grandfather's passion for education. His research in energy-efficient memory devices and sensitive quantum light sources reflects his commitment to scientific progress and education equity.

Debjani Singh

Debjani Singh, a senior scientist at ORNL, leads the HydroSource project, which enhances hydropower research by making water data more accessible and useful. With a background in water resources, data science, and earth science, Singh applies innovative tools like AI to advance research. Her career, shaped by her early exposure to science in India, focuses on bridging research with practical applications.

Man in red and white stripe button down shirt with dark brown hair poses for photo in front of blue/grey background.

Andrew Conant from ORNL's nuclear nonproliferation division is collaborating with national laboratories to analyze isotopes generated in nuclear reactors. This research aims to glean insights into the operations and objectives of these reactors. ORNL, renowned for its leadership in nuclear research, maintains its legacy by promoting the peaceful utilization of nuclear energy worldwide.

Red tube holds a cluster of green and purple dots (hundreds of dots) while a long white line runs across the image, giving the appearance of waves.

An Oak Ridge National Laboratory team revealed how chemical species form in a highly reactive molten salt mixture of aluminum chloride and potassium chloride by unraveling vibrational signatures and observing ion exchanges.