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 )
60 Years of Scientific Brilliance at PNNL

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.

a pink, blue and purple close-up view of thick "sludge" moving through space in droplets

Moments in Time

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

Current Highlight: Converting Sewage Sludge to Synthetic Asphalt (1980)

From poop to synthetic asphalt. While turning sewage sludge into asphalt may not be quite like spinning thread into gold, in the 1980s, this invention was a potential “gold mine” for Hawaiians. In collaboration with the City and County of Honolulu, and with funding from the U.S.  Environmental Protection Agency and the Hawaii State government, PNNL researchers developed a method that not only provided lower-cost paving material but also offered an environmentally safe way of disposing sewage sludge. The resulting synthetic oil product could even be used as fuel oil! Read the 1980 press release discussing this research

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