About the Isotope Program

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) receives funding from the Department of Energy Isotope Research and Development (R&D) and Production Program (DOE Isotope Program), managed by the Office of Science, as part of a suite of national laboratories and universities focused on isotope R&D and production. The mission of the DOE Isotope Program is to produce and distribute stable and radioactive isotopes for research and applications that are in short supply and critical to the prosperity and security of the nation. The DOE Isotope Program supports isotope production, R&D on isotope production techniques, workforce development, and reduction of U.S. dependency on foreign supply chains. Those interested in purchasing stable or radioactive isotopes from the DOE Isotope Program should contact the National Isotope Development Center.
Isotope Program Focus

Isotope production—makes sure there is an adequate supply of medical and industrial radioisotopes.
- Lead-212
- Strontium-90
- Radium-226
Applications research—identifies new chemistry solutions.
- Advanced radiochemical separations and automated systems
- Application of artificial intelligence and machine learning
Client technical support—serves the special needs of our clients.
- External radiation dosimetry
- Radioisotope power sources
- Isotope generator testing and troubleshooting