PNNL has created and licensed a system that sniffs out trace levels of fentanyl, other drugs and explosives through the air.

Lauren Charles, a chief data scientist at PNNL, showcased the vital research coming out of her program at The National Academies Forum workshop in Washington, D.C., January 15–16, 2025.

By combining computational modeling with experimental research, scientists identified a promising composition that reduces the need for a critical material in an alloy that can withstand extreme environments.

PNNL’s year in review includes highlights ranging from advancing soil science to understanding Earth systems, expanding electricity transmission, detecting fentanyl, and applying artificial intelligence to aid scientific discovery.

Scientists are developing ways to detect previously unseen forms of fentanyl as well as other synthetic opioids known as nitazenes.

PNNL researchers have developed a new, physics-informed machine learning model that accurately predicts how heat accumulates and dissipates during friction stir processing.

PNNL biodefense experts seek to identify, understand and mitigate the risks of biological pathogens—whether naturally occurring or intentionally created—so steps can be taken to prepare and respond.

Scientists have developed a way to detect tiny amounts of hard-to-detect explosives more than eight feet away.

Researchers will explore climate, pathogens and energy-efficient microelectronics using 3 million node hours on the nation’s supercomputers.

National laboratory expertise was on display at the 2024 Department of Homeland Security Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation Summit.

In the latest issue of the Domestic Preparedness Journal, Ashley Bradley and Kristin Omberg share how new research is shedding light on the scientific and technological challenges with detecting fentanyl.

Research at PNNL and the University of Texas at El Paso are addressing computational challenges of thinking beyond the list and developing bioagent-agnostic signatures to assess threats.

Beyond melting ice and higher temperatures: On Earth Day, scientists consider how climate change will affect national security.

PNNL is supporting the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate's Chemical Security Analysis Center in improving capabilities to enhance detection and analysis of chemical threats.

Senior Advisor Isabella van Rooyen shares her journey from child to internationally recognized scientist in nuclear materials and manufacturing.

Adom Cooper was selected for the inaugural cohort of the Black Professionals in International Affairs at the Colin Powell Leadership Institute.

A new report highlights the results of an assessment PNNL conducted of field-portable detection products used by first responders to detect illicit substances like fentanyl in the field.

The 50th anniversary of the Finnish Institute for Verification of the Chemical Weapons Convention was recently celebrated in Helsinki, Finland. PNNL's Jonathan Forman and Raul Aranzazu attended this international event.

A team of researchers from PNNL provided technical knowledge and support to test a suite of techniques that detect genetically modified bacteria, viruses, and cells.

PNNL researchers are key contributors to GAO report