Argonne National Laboratory

Artificial intelligence is transforming the U.S. economy and driving innovation across technology, manufacturing, and healthcare. But to sustain this momentum, we need reliable and scalable energy sources. Advanced nuclear energy stands out as a key solution, helping to maintain America’s leadership in the digital age. In July, Argonne, Idaho National Laboratory, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory co-hosted the AI x Nuclear Energy Executive Summit. This gathering united leaders from tech, nuclear, and the government to explore smarter energy solutions for AI. As U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Chris Wright stated, “To power AI and to power our world, the most promising source, alongside our backbone hydrocarbon system, is nuclear.” Together, let's harness this potential.

The future of exascale computing depends on the brilliant minds we’re training today. This summer, early career researchers gathered for the annual Argonne Training Program on Extreme-Scale Computing—a hands-on learning experience exploring the cutting-edge technologies driving high-performance computing. https://bit.ly/4nQOgyB Participants engaged in dynamic talks and interactive sessions that delved into the complexities of this ever-evolving field. The two-week program not only builds critical skills but also inspires curiosity and innovation. As we push the limits of data-intensive computing, collaboration between seasoned experts and emerging talent is key to tackling the challenges of tomorrow.

It all started with a spark that changed the world. ✨ Designated as the nation’s first national laboratory in 1946, Argonne has been at the forefront of nuclear science and innovation for nearly eight decades. From advanced reactor design to cutting-edge materials and energy systems research, our work continues to drive progress in reliable energy. This Nuclear Science Week, explore how Argonne scientists and engineers are advancing nuclear energy systems to strengthen America’s energy independence and national security. #NuclearSciWeek

The message from Argonne’s AI STEM Education Summit was clear: combining timeless skills with AI fluency opens new possibilities for the future workforce - https://bit.ly/4mvqbvG On September 19, nearly 200 STEM educators and academic leaders from across Illinois came together to explore how artificial intelligence can be woven into the fabric of STEM education. The discussions centered on preparing students with the skills and understanding they will need to succeed in an increasingly AI-driven world. “Preparing the next generation of scientists, engineers and innovators is one of Argonne’s highest priorities,” said Argonne Director Paul Kearns during his opening remarks. “Our ability to keep changing the world with science depends on partnerships like those we are building here today.”

As the volume of scientific literature skyrockets, AI is helping researchers identify insights that drive faster innovations in materials science. Jacqueline Cole and her team at the University of Cambridge, with help from the Polaris supercomputer at Argonne Leadership Computing Facility, are at the forefront of this revolution - https://bit.ly/4pr17ZH These researchers are developing AI tools that automatically mine scientific journals to create structured materials databases, which are then used to train specialized language models that streamline research. Cole envisions these innovations as digital assistants in labs—tools that complement scientists by answering questions and guiding experiments. Her pioneering work, initiated nearly a decade ago, has opened new paths for data-driven materials research, allowing for a blend of machine learning and experimental results.

As the user program manager at the Center for Nanoscale Materials (CNM), Connie Pfeiffer empowers researchers to reach their goals while fostering a vibrant community - https://bit.ly/3K2caZ5 After working internationally for a few years, she returned to the Chicagoland area to embrace new challenges. She thrives in Argonne’s culture of innovation and teamwork, which aligns with her values. Beyond her role, Pfeiffer actively engages with students and the public to raise awareness about nanoscience’s potential. By building partnerships across academia, government, and industry, she expands the impact of Argonne’s research. Learn more about her work!

California’s Silicon Valley has long been known as the epicenter of digital innovation. Now, a new frontier is emerging in the Midwest: the Quantum Prairie - https://bit.ly/46GI4Tv Illinois is becoming a hub for both computing giants and startups, fostering groundbreaking advancements in quantum information science. Home to Argonne and several other key institutions, this region is positioned to lead the next technological revolution. Read more about the exciting developments and discover what lies ahead for innovation in the Midwest.

Congratulations to Omar Yaghi, Susumu Kitagawa, and Richard Robson for their pioneering work in the development of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). The 2025 Nobel laureates in Chemistry have transformed molecular architecture by creating MOFs, sponge-like materials with large internal spaces that make the materials highly porous, allowing gases and other chemicals to flow through. At Argonne, we’re advancing the frontiers of chemistry, with MOFs playing an important role in our research. Our scientists are designing custom materials with new capabilities—from targeted gas capture and storage to improved catalytic processes. This ability to tailor porous materials for specific applications supports our mission to drive innovation and tackle global challenges. The groundbreaking contributions of Yaghi, Kitagawa, and Robson exemplify the transformative impact of chemistry on technology and society. We are proud to be part of a scientific community that continues to push the boundaries of what is possible.

Congratulations to Clarke, Devoret, and Martinis for their groundbreaking research demonstrating how quantum mechanical properties, typically observed at the smallest scales, can be manifested in systems large enough to be held in one's hand. At Argonne, we're deeply invested in the development of quantum technologies, which are expected to transform how we share information. Our work, and the work of people around the world working in #quantum, is possible thanks to the innovative strides made by these Nobel laureates. https://lnkd.in/g3D-TXJv This recognition also underscores the importance of collaboration in pushing the bounds of quantum science and technology.

Like frosting a cake, additive manufacturing builds complex metal parts one ultra-thin layer at a time, offering unmatched precision. While this method promises to ease supply chain disruptions, it faces significant challenges in achieving consistent part quality. Addressing these challenges is essential for unlocking the technology's full potential. Researchers from Argonne, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Northwestern University, and the University of Virginia have made a breakthrough in understanding how metal microstructures change in real time during 3D printing - https://bit.ly/46pRdPb Using the Advanced Photon Source (APS), they analyzed a laser technique that melts and deposits a thin metal wire layer by layer. “Our analysis showcases the power of the APS in studying defects that were previously analyzed only after the fact,” said Andrew Chuang, a physicist at APS. “This is the first time this real-time technique has been applied to study dislocation evolution in a metal wire.” This insight helps us better understand the additive manufacturing process and paves the way for quality improvement in future applications.