A National Lab is a
Different Kind of
Research Institution
A National Lab is a
Different Kind of
Research Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory is a different kind of national lab. PNNL advances the frontiers of knowledge, taking on some of the world’s greatest science and technology challenges. Distinctive strengths in chemistry, Earth sciences, biology, and data science are central to our scientific discovery mission. Our research lays a foundation for innovations that advance sustainable energy through decarbonization and energy storage and enhance national security through nuclear materials and threat analyses. PNNL collaborates with academia in fundamental research and with industry to transition technologies to market.
We are a national lab with Pacific Northwest roots and global reach. Whether our researchers are unlocking the mysteries of Earth’s climate, helping modernize the U.S. electric power grid, or safeguarding ports around the world from nuclear smuggling, we accept great challenges for one purpose: to create a world that is safer, cleaner, more prosperous, and more secure.
Let us show you what happens when great minds meet great challenges.
By the Numbers - Fiscal Year (FY) 2023
![About Page Staff Icon](/sites/default/files/styles/iconographic/public/media/image/iconographic1.png?itok=KlQU5tYo)
6, 089
Scientists, engineers, and professional staff
![About Page Patents Icon](/sites/default/files/styles/iconographic/public/media/image/iconographic2.png?itok=KwJRkJWS)
3,140
U.S. and foreign patents since 1965
![About Page Journal Icon](/sites/default/files/styles/iconographic/public/media/image/iconographic3.png?itok=-gosKSMV)
1,980
Peer-reviewed, published articles
![About Page Inventions Icon](/sites/default/files/styles/iconographic/public/media/image/iconographic4.png?itok=nYD_-Wlj)
301
Invention Disclosures
![About Page Budget Icon](/sites/default/files/styles/iconographic/public/media/image/iconographic5.png?itok=i_lwa8ge)
$1.5B
Annual Spending
![About Page Payroll Icon](/sites/default/files/styles/iconographic/public/media/image/iconographic6.png?itok=muwvk09h)
$635M
Total payroll
*FY22
![About Page Awards Icon](/sites/default/files/styles/iconographic/public/media/image/iconographic7.png?itok=6Xh0-lKK)
225
FLC and R&D 100 awards
*since 1969
![About Spin Off Icon](/sites/default/files/styles/iconographic/public/media/image/iconographic8.png?itok=hxjWFpLz)
209
Companies with PNNL roots
Our Core Capabilities
PNNL has 22core capabilities recognized by the DOE. Each one is a powerful combination of expertise, state-of-the-art equipment, and mission-ready facilities. Core capabilities represent a collective set of skills and a body of world-leading scientific and engineering work.
PNNL’s core capabilities are organized into five areas:
- Chemical and Material Sciences
- Computational and Mathematical Sciences
- Earth and Biological Sciences
- Engineering
- User Facilities and Advanced Instrumentation.
Drawing on these capability areas as needed affords the laboratory great flexibility and creativity in assembling teams to address complex science and engineering challenges.