Deb Gracio, a veteran leader with 35 years of experience at PNNL, has been named the laboratory’s next director, effective October 1, 2025. She is recognized for her pioneering research and for leveraging computation to drive scientific discovery. She currently oversees PNNL’s national security portfolio as associate laboratory director. There, Gracio has guided leading-edge research and solutions to address critical security challenges in nuclear material science, nonproliferation, and threat analysis. She will succeed Steven Ashby, who announced his intent to step aside as director earlier this year. Discover Gracio’s vision for PNNL’s future.
Looking Back, Moving Forward: Reflections from a Decade as PNNL Director
PNNL Director Steven Ashby reflects on his decade-long tenure, highlighting key scientific accomplishments and collaborative research that shaped the lab's future— while sharing insights on challenges and opportunities ahead. Discover the legacy he leaves and his vision for PNNL’s continued contributions to science and society.
Research Expertise in Spent Nuclear Fuel Strengthens National Security Missions
Brienne Seiner’s journey from high school theater enthusiast to PNNL advisor highlights the power of creative problem-solving in science. Seiner leads the Athena project, a groundbreaking collaboration across national laboratories, aimed at advancing nuclear nonproliferation by researching the processing of spent nuclear fuel. With nearly 150 scientists engaged, Athena is helping to shape the future of global security. Dive deeper into this story.
PermitAI Ushers in a New Era for Faster, Better Federal Permitting
For the first time in half a century, federal regulators now have streamlined access to National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review data through a single AI-powered database, developed by researchers at PNNL. The tool, PermitAI, addresses the longstanding challenge of fragmented, hard-to-analyze data stored across various agencies. Using machine learning to automate data categorization, the NEPA Text Corpus streamlines environmental reviews and opens the door to faster, more informed decision-making. Get the full story.
Explore Nuclear Science Week, Starting October 20
Nuclear Science Week (NSW) begins Monday, October 20, offering an engaging platform for the public to discover the contributions and innovations shaping the field of nuclear science. NSW emphasizes the evolving role of nuclear technology in addressing global challenges. Learn more about this event and its role in fostering a deeper understanding of nuclear science and its impact on science and society.
2025 Seattle Fusion Week: Shaping the Future of Nuclear Fusion Energy
Discover the latest advancements in nuclear fusion at the 2025 Seattle Fusion Week, September 29 – 30. This event brings together fusion energy companies, policymakers, researchers, and non-governmental organizations for talks, networking, and educational opportunities.
Advancing Cancer Research with Radioisotopes
Scientists at PNNL are producing medical radioisotopes to support cancer treatment research. Enhanced production processes aim to accelerate breakthroughs in therapies, aiding the global fight against cancer. In his monthly Tri-City Herald column, PNNL Lab Director Steven Ashby shares how advanced nuclear science can contribute to better cures.
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Nuclear@PNNL is designed to provide valuable updates for professionals in nuclear science and related disciplines. If you have colleagues in academia, government, industry, or research who might benefit from this information, please share this newsletter with them. They can subscribe to receive future issues by clicking below. Help us broaden the reach of important nuclear developments.
Nov. 2-7: Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management Symposium
Join researchers and industry leaders at the Scientific Basis for Nuclear Waste Management Symposium (SBNWM), the premiere international event on nuclear waste management, held November 2–7, 2025, in Tri-Cities, Washington. Hosted by PNNL and endorsed by the Materials Research Society, the symposium will explore cutting-edge advances in waste treatment, materials science, repository design, and more. Registration is open. Learn more.
Nuclear Innovation: PNNL’s Bob Oelrich co-authored "The Key to Nuclear Materials Innovation," published in The European. The article examines key challenges and opportunities in developing advanced nuclear materials. It highlights research efforts and strategic approaches aimed at progress in nuclear technology, offering perspectives on the path forward for innovation within this evolving field.
Nuclear Careers
See the current nuclear-related career opportunities across PNNL research and operations missions on the Careers website, search for “nuclear.” Join our Talent Community and upload your resume to receive updates on future job postings. Current opportunities include:
PNNL's multidisciplinary expertise in nuclear science provides solutions to some of the world’s most complex environmental, radiological, and national security challenges.
Nuclear@PNNL gives readers a firsthand look at PNNL's focus on nuclear materials behavior, chemistry, forensics, and processing to advance nuclear energy, resolve legacy waste, and support national security. Each issue highlights the expertise of our researchers, their contributions to the nuclear mission space, and our state-of-the-art research facilities where discoveries and advancements are made.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory draws on its distinguishing strengths in chemistry, Earth sciences, biology and data science to advance scientific knowledge and address challenges in energy resiliency and national security. Founded in 1965, PNNL is operated by Battelle and supported by the Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy. The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information about PNNL, visit PNNL's News Center. Follow us onX, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.
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