From left: Department of Energy Secretary Chris Wright with PNNL program managers Daniel Stephens and Eric Smith during a tour of PNNL's Radiochemical Processing Laboratory. Secretary Wright holds a model of a Tritium-Producing Burnable Absorber Rod (TPBAR), an apparatus designed by PNNL and used to produce tritium for the nuclear stockpile through irradiation in nuclear reactors operated by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Learn more about Wright's December 4 visit to PNNL, and watch Secretary Wright's PNNL visit below.
AI Computing Revolution: Genesis Mission’ to Transform American Science and Innovation
PNNL is a key partner in the Genesis Mission, DOE's integrated ecosystem that accelerates discovery and strengthens U.S. leadership in AI-powered science. Drawing on its deep expertise in the design and application of AI, novel computing paradigms, and fundamental science, PNNL is creating AI solutions to aid autonomous discovery science. These efforts and more position PNNL as a transformational AI engine to advance the nation’s scientific, energy, nuclear, and national security missions. Learn about the Mission.
Directly Probing Plutonium by Pu-239 Magnetic Resonance
PNNL scientists have successfully performed direct nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements of plutonium-239, a challenging and highly sensitive element. This accomplishment provides valuable insights into the fundamental properties of plutonium, with potential implications for nuclear science, safety, and environmental management. Discover how researchers are illuminating one of the most complex elements in nuclear science.
PNNL Joins Space Research Group, Bringing Nuclear Expertise to New Heights
PNNL is the first DOE national lab to join the Space Information Sharing and Analysis Center (Space ISAC). Leveraging expertise in nuclear power, cybersecurity, and more, PNNL helps strengthen global collaboration on space security. Space ISAC connects agencies, universities, and industry leaders worldwide, advancing efforts to protect critical space infrastructure. Discover how this partnership will help shape the future of space governance.
Bridging Molecular and Macroscale Controls of Mineral Dissolution
Four early-career IDREAM scientists earned DOE’s Team Science Award for advancing collaborative research in radioactive waste chemistry. Their presentation highlighted how interdisciplinary teamwork can solve complex issues related to ion dynamics in radioactive materials. Learn more about their award-winning collaboration.
How Did You Mark World Nuclear Energy Day?
On December 2, Nuclear Energy Day commemorated the anniversary of the first self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction in 1942 and the launch of the first commercial nuclear power plant in 1957. The event raises awareness of the contributions that nuclear energy is making to society and celebrates the people who design, build, operate, and support a wide range of nuclear technologies. Tell us what you did to mark World Nuclear Energy Day.
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Athena earns top journal covers: The Athena project published a novel approach to pH monitoring and control for TALSPEAK separation systems critical for nuclear material recovery, earning recognition earlier this fall on the cover of Analytical Chemistry. Developed by a team of PNNL researchers, the method addresses key analytical challenges of precision and response speed across multiple industries. The outcome represents one of four Athena journal covers published within a four-month period.
Shear-assisted processing and extrusion (ShAPE) extrusion: PNNL researchers successfully demonstrated ShAPE extrusion to produce high-strength oxide dispersion-strengthened PM2000 metal tubes—a critical yet complex material in nuclear applications. This innovative method offers potential advancements in manufacturing nuclear materials. Findings were published in the Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance and funded by DOE’s Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technology (AMMT) program.
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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