1. What is Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)?

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science laboratory that integrates fundamental science and applied research. With distinctive strengths in biology, chemistry, materials science, and computing, PNNL connects scientific discovery with pressing challenges related to energy reliability and national security.  

2. What kind of research does PNNL conduct?

PNNL conducts multidisciplinary research that draws upon its strengths in chemistry, biology, materials science, and computing to advance scientific discovery, enhance energy reliability, and strengthen national security. By bringing together fundamental science, applied research, engineering, and mission-focused capabilities, researchers move ideas from discovery to real-world impact.

3. What is PNNL’s annual budget?

In fiscal year 2025, PNNL scientists and engineers conducted $1.66 billion in research and development, addressing critical challenges and positively impacting Washington’s economic prosperity.

4. Where is PNNL located?

PNNL’s main campus is in Richland, Washington, but there are staff and facilities in Seattle and Sequim, Washington; Portland, Oregon; and the Washington, D.C./College Park area, in addition to employees working remotely throughout the United States.

5. Who operates PNNL?

PNNL is managed and operated by Battelle for the Department of Energy (DOE).

6. What makes PNNL unique among research institutions?

PNNL brings together experts from a wide range of scientific and technical disciplines to address complex challenges that often require multidisciplinary solutions. As a DOE national laboratory, PNNL combines fundamental and applied research to advance scientific discovery, enhance energy reliability, and strengthen national security. PNNL is one of the most diverse national laboratories, supporting more than 50 federal agencies and collaborating with hundreds of academic and industry organizations to maximize the impact of government research investments.

7. Does PNNL conduct basic research?

Yes. As a DOE Office of Science national laboratory, fundamental research that helps improve understanding of systems and processes provides the foundation of PNNL’s work in grid reliability and national security, opening new lines of inquiry to address the nation’s most significant challenges. PNNL’s distinctive strengths in biology, chemistry, computing, and materials science are central to its scientific discovery mission. The integration of fundamental and applied research at PNNL, together with its computing capabilities and the power of AI and autonomy, is accelerating the science-to-impact timeline.

8. How does PNNL contribute to energy research?

PNNL conducts research aimed at strengthening grid reliability and transforming energy systems. Its work includes electric grid modernization, energy storage, nuclear energy, transportation, hydrogen and fuel cells, and related technologies.

9. What role does PNNL play in national security?

PNNL applies science and technology to national security challenges in areas such as nuclear nonproliferation, nuclear and radiological detection, cybersecurity, threat analysis, chemical and biological threat detection, and systems integration.

10. Does PNNL do AI research?  

Researchers at PNNL develop and apply advanced AI systems to accelerate scientific discovery and deliver mission-critical solutions that strengthen science, national security, and energy reliability. PNNL is contributing AI and data expertise to the DOE’s Genesis Mission, which is developing a powerful AI platform to accelerate scientific discovery, drive energy innovation, and strengthen national security.

11. Does PNNL work with universities?

Yes. PNNL collaborates with universities through research partnerships, joint institutes and appointments, internships, and other programs. These collaborations give researchers and students opportunities to work with PNNL experts and access specialized scientific capabilities and instruments.

12. Can companies and other organizations partner with PNNL?

Yes. PNNL works with other national laboratories, industry, entrepreneurs, universities, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies to move scientific discoveries toward practical applications. Opportunities include research collaborations, technology commercialization, and other forms of engagement.

13. Does PNNL offer internships for students?

Yes. PNNL offers internships in STEM and business fields for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. Opportunities may be available during the summer or academic year, and PNNL participates in several DOE student research programs.

14. How can I find a job at PNNL?

Current opportunities are posted on the PNNL Careers website. Positions span scientific research, engineering, computing, business operations, and other professional areas. PNNL also offers internship and early career opportunities.

15. What major research facilities does PNNL have?

PNNL has a range of specialized research facilities. Examples include the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL) and the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement User Facility (ARM), which are both DOE Office of Science user facilities. Other examples include the Grid Storage Launchpad, Energy Sciences Center, Electricity Infrastructure Operations Center, Radiochemical Processing Laboratory, and marine and coastal research facilities at PNNL-Sequim.

16. How does PNNL support the local community?

PNNL and Battelle, which proudly operates PNNL, engage with communities through STEM education, outreach, philanthropy, volunteering, and public science and technology programs. PNNL’s STEM efforts are designed to give students, educators, and community members opportunities to explore science and science-related careers.

17. Can the public visit or learn more about PNNL?

PNNL visitor information is available online. Please note that federal regulations require that visitors receive authorization before arrival at PNNL.

The initial draft of this document was created using ChatGPT. The language and content were subsequently edited by the author/an editor for grammar, clarity, and accuracy, and the final document was reviewed by the author.