New Research Effort at PNNL Could Boost Nuclear Fuel Performance
Researchers at PNNL have started a series of experiments that could increase energy for the grid by improving nuclear fuel efficiency. The tests are made possible by the special delivery of 11 “high burnup” rods that were irradiated for research purposes. The rods will be punctured, cut, mechanically stressed, and closely examined. “We can perform all the kinds of chemistry you could dream of under this roof, but we can also do mechanical and material testing here, and we can quite literally get all the way down to the atomic level,” project co-lead Brady Hanson said. Read more about this multidisciplinary nuclear materials research.
AI Accelerates Nuclear Material Analysis
PNNL scientists are leveraging AI and high-performance computing to streamline complex chemical analyses of nuclear events. By modeling reactions and isotopes, AI tools dramatically reduce the time needed for forensic work after explosions or accidents. Partnering with Microsoft’s Azure Quantum Elements, researchers calculated intricate molecular properties to expedite lab processes. This breakthrough enhances nuclear security and opens doors for applications in medical isotopes and energy research. Read more.
Curt Lavender: Innovator in Metals Manufacturing and National Security
PNNL Inventor of the Year, Curt Lavender, has dedicated his career to advancing metallurgy and materials science. He has influenced industries from automotive and aerospace to nuclear security with breakthroughs such as superplastic forming of aluminum and ShAPE™ technology, reshaping manufacturing processes. Recently, Lavender's focus has shifted to repurposing weapons-grade nuclear materials for peaceful applications, highlighting his commitment to innovation and national impact. Read more.
Anthony Peurrung and Ram Devanathan Elected to the Washington State Academy of Sciences
Eight PNNL researchers—including retired Deputy Director for Science and Technology Anthony Peurrung and PNNL Director of the Energy Processes and Materials Division Ram Devanathan—were elected to the Washington State Academy of Sciences' 2025 cohort. Peurrung was recognized for his contributions to the scientific foundations of nuclear threat detection technology, and Devanathan was cited for leadership in computational materials science. Read more.
Waste Management Symposia 2025 Recognizes PNNL Research
PNNL researchers received honors—including six “Superior Papers” and two “Papers of Note”—for presentations at the 2025 Waste Management Symposia (WM2025). The Waste Management Symposia is the world’s largest gathering of radioactive waste management experts and innovators. The international conference provides a premier and dynamic forum for experts to drive safe, cost-effective solutions for handling radioactive materials and decommissioning nuclear facilities. The awards showcase PNNL’s continued contributions to advancing radioactive waste and materials management. Read more about the team's achievements.
PNNL Events
PNNL researchers will be featured at these upcoming conferences.
August 24-28: Institute of Nuclear Materials Management Annual Meeting 2025
Join experts at the 66th annual meeting in Washington, DC, August 24–28, 2025. This meeting is an international forum for the exchange of the newest technical information related to all aspects of nuclear materials management. Learn more about the conference.
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 and abstract submissions are open. Learn more.
Recent News and Publications
PNNL's Mark Nutt Contributes to Panel on Small Modular Reactors: PNNL's Nuclear Energy Sector Director Mark Nutt was part of a recent panel discussion about small modular reactors that was held at the Washington State University Tri-Cities campus. Read more in this Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business story.
Generation IV International Forum – Webinar Series: PNNL Radiochemist Patricia Paviet, chair of the Generation IV International Forum (GIF) Education and Training Working Group, presented at a GIF webinar series. The program focuses on Gen IV reactor systems education, workforce development, knowledge preservation, and student engagement through research competitions. Learn more about the conference paper.
Nitrilotriacetamides: Nitric Acid and Water Extraction, and Physicochemical Properties: Published in Industrial and Engineering Chemistry Research, this study explores nitrilotriacetamides as innovative chemical extractants for separation processes, examining how alkyl chain length and phase modifiers like octanol affect their extractive properties, physicochemical characteristics, aggregation behavior, and interactions with nitric acid at varying concentrations. Read more about this study.
Prototype Microreactor Transportation Safety Program:Researchers outline a prototype transportation safety program for microreactors, focusing on highway transport. The report identifies unique challenges, including radiation management and risk-informed strategies, to accelerate safe deployment of these compact, portable energy systems in commercial and defense applications. Learn more about this report.
A Rate Theory Model of Radiation-Induced Swelling in an Austenitic Stainless Steel:This study examines cavity swelling in irradiated 316 stainless steel using a conventional rate-theory model. Leveraging recent microstructure data on yield strength, cavity densities, and defect production, the research explores swelling under neutron irradiation in the EBR-2 reactor environment.Discover more about this study.
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.
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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