From studying the multisector ripple effects of extreme events to exploring the chemical reactions that underlie life on Earth, two up-and-coming PNNL scientists were recognized for their scientific vision and prowess.

Assistant Secretary Katie Jereza toured PNNL capabilities that translate laboratory innovation into operational and industry impact.

A theoretical index linking precipitation and atmospheric evaporative demand explains historical land humidity changes across observations, reanalyses, and climate models.

A 14-year comparison with satellite observations identified robust mesoscale convective cloud statistics and systematic precipitation biases in ERA5.

Observations, reanalysis, and E3SMv3 experiments linked inter-annual variability of Congo Basin surface temperature to the zonal position of precipitation over the Indo-Pacific maritime continent region.

Quasi-stationary Rossby waves shape North American temperature extremes, but higher model resolution does not always improve their modeled representation.

Watershed-based representation discretized into topographic subgrid units better captured small-scale land cover, precipitation, temperature, and snow variability across multiple spatial scales.

Numerical simulations reveal how well-controlled wall temperature and moisture can generate a stratocumulus-like cloud top in a laboratory cloud chamber.

A new tracer model tracked how May 2015 storm water re-entered the atmosphere and contributed to later rainfall.

Physics-informed and data-driven neural network models enhance Earth system models in simulating compound flooding at river-ocean interfaces.

Observations and models showed that tropical cyclone outer size increased in the western North Atlantic since 1979.

Tracking water age using a new precipitation tagging method within a hydrologic model generates key information to support hydropower energy and other water-dependent systems.

More rain and less snow shorten how long water stays in watersheds.

​​Tests show which low-cost 3D method best matches field measurements to minimize errors in mapping headwaters.​

Five PNNL innovations earned 2026 R&D 100 Awards for advances in biotechnology, manufacturing, critical minerals, and nuclear security.

Developed a method for selectively anchoring diverse divalent metal cations in zeolites, important for precise control over catalytic materials.

PNNL has formed a partnership with the Orlando-based firm Refinity, which has licensed a key process from PNNL that will help the company convert mixed plastic waste into valuable industrial products like chemicals, plastics, and fuels.

Novel Applications for Synchronized Power Instrumentation seeks to improve electric grid resilience, reliability, security, and affordability.

PNNL and Maritime Blue, a Washington state-based strategic alliance promoting maritime business in the Pacific Northwest, have released a report highlighting challenges—and solutions—for reinvigorating shipbuilding in the region.

At the summit, PNNL engaged with partners and investors, highlighting seven projects that accelerate the deployment of new energy technologies.