Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) is a multiprogram science and technology laboratory managed for the United States Department of Energy by UT-Battelle, LLC. Scientists and engineers at ORNL conduct basic and applied research and development to create scientific knowledge and technological solutions that strengthen the nation's leadership in key areas of science; increase the availability of clean, abundant energy; restore and protect the environment; and contribute to national security.
ORNL also performs other work for the Department of Energy, including isotope production and separation, information management, and technical program management, and provides research and technical assistance to other organizations.
Originally known as Clinton Laboratories, ORNL was established in 1943 to carry out a single, well-defined mission: the pilot-scale production and separation of plutonium for the World War II Manhattan Project. From this foundation, the Laboratory has evolved into a unique resource for addressing important national and global energy and environmental issues. Today, ORNL pioneers the development of new energy sources, technologies, and materials and the advancement of knowledge in the biological, chemical, computational, engineering, environmental, physical, and social sciences.
ORNL Facts and Figures
- Staff: 3800 total, 1500 scientists and engineers
- Budget: $870 million, 80% Department of Energy, 20% work for others
- Replacement cost of buildings: $7 billion
- Total land area: 58 square miles
- Guest researchers: 3000 each year, about one-fourth from industry
- Visitors: About 30,000 each year, plus 10,000 precollege students
