Our History

Discovery and Impact:
Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow

For more than half a century, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has been quietly contributing to a better, safer world. PNNL has always been a place where great minds tackle great challenges. Our researchers have developed numerous technologies, from the compact disc to ubiquitous airport security scanners, global climate models, and much more.

a static screenshot of the PNNL interactive history timeline

A Timeline of Our History

Discover our scientific achievements, technologies that have been transferred to industry—impacting national and global markets—campus expansion efforts, collaborations with industry and academia, and responses to national and world events.
_{Learn more about using/exploring the timeline below}

( Explore the Interactive Timeline )

Celebrating PNNL's 60th year

Since becoming a Department of Energy national lab in 1965, PNNL has established a legacy of advancing scientific discovery and technological innovation that delivers impactful outcomes to our region, nation, and world.

Looking forward, we are excited to continue advancing our understanding of the world around us and addressing some of our most pressing challenges in energy and national security.

At PNNL, WE are resolute in our commitment to advance scientific discovery and deliver technological innovation for energy and national security.

Moments in Time

Look back at significant moments in PNNL's history as we reflect on 60 years of discovery and impact.

Current Highlight

1968: Creating a Living Bond Between Bones and Prosthetics

archival black and white photo of a prosthetic attachment pin with a porous surface texture

In 1968, researchers began early exploration of developing a porous substance called Void Metal Composite (VMC) that could create a living union between bone and prosthetics, anchoring artificial teeth or femoral head prosthesis. VMC also could be surgically implanted and used as a splint for badly broken bones. By 1971, R&D Magazine recognized the invention as one of the 100 most technologically significant products and advancements for the year.

Read the 1971 press release about VMC's development

Explore more Moments in Time

How to Use the Interactive Timeline

A screenshot of the PNNL interactive timeline as it appears on mobile devices — Mobile-friendly/Accessible View

The interactive timeline is optimized for viewing on desktop/laptop computers but is also usable on mobile devices.

Scroll through the horizontal timeline by using one of the following methods: use the scrollwheel, right-click and drag with your mouse, or swipe left or right on touchscreen devices.
Click or tap on an event card to see more detail and access additional links, images, and media.
Click or tap on a star along the bottom of the timeline to jump to a specific decade or view a particular highlight.

Mobile-friendly/Accessible View

An alternative list view is available below the main timeline, which may be preferable for mobile users or those who rely on adaptive tools and settings to browse the web.

Jump to the mobile-friendly/accessible view of the PNNL history timeline