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.

Researchers discovered that frustrated electric forces drive a novel precipitation pathway called microphase separation and identified a precursor intermediate state of ordered ion networks.

Separating quantum circuit wiring from molecular data allows researchers to more efficiently perform quantum simulations

Demonstrated that cathodic potential accelerates aqueous phase benzaldehyde hydrogenation.

Amine functionalized graphene oxide yields laminates with an enhanced capacity to adsorb rare earth elements, improved water transport, and greater stability for effective membrane-based separation of critical minerals.

Establishing how electronic redistribution, protonation, and solvent rearrangement are coupled during a proton-coupled electron transfer process.

By selectively stabilizing either a right- or left-handed helical pose of its substrate, an enzyme tunes the final product.

Research provided definitive spectroscopic characterization, reactivity, and deactivation of a reactive monomeric diphosphine-copper hydride intermediate.

PNNL researchers are bringing a data-driven approach to unleashing the potential of geothermal energy.

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

A new PNNL game teaches players about obstacles that fish face during migration.

New software enables the study of nuclear quantum effects in large, condensed phase systems up to 10× faster than traditional methods.

Protein and water environments set the overall redox scale of iron-sulfur clusters, but local coordination geometry fine-tunes the final potential.

New theoretical framings of quantum dynamics enable better quantum-based simulation of molecular systems and dynamics.

New partnership agreement to focus on AI, robotics, and advanced energy systems.

Chiral nanotubes facilitate the direction-specific diffusion of carbon dioxide to be faster than nitrogen gas.

A suite of new modeling methods gives researchers better tools to predict molecular behavior inside cavities.

PNNL has developed a next-generation electrical resistivity tomography system for DOE that uses E4D software and AI-enhanced modeling to produce real-time subsurface images that help guide environmental remediation decisions.

Replacing commercial acid with acidic waste enables researchers to improve nickel extraction efficiency, lower projected costs, and improve process economics.

Connecting energy generation, electricity storage, and using sensors and control software to track load, including precommercial market marine energy generation technologies.