National Security
Protecting U.S. residents is among our nation’s highest priorities. As adversaries gain access to sophisticated technologies and materials, the threats grow more dynamic and complex—from cyber and nuclear to chemical and biological weapons of mass effect and other forms of terrorism. Faced with these realities and their impact on national security, PNNL develops science-based solutions that keep America safe. We drive innovation and critical capabilities in nuclear materials, threat analysis, and other areas of expertise to secure our nation’s critical infrastructure, combat global terrorism, and detect concealed threats and explosives.
Radiation Measurement
Radiation measurement and irradiation science research and services at PNNL focus on the effects of dosage on humans, equipment, and nuclear power reactors. Both the 318 Building—also known as the Radiological Exposure & Metrology (REM) Laboratory—and the Radiochemical Processing Laboratory (RPL) have lab space dedicated to researching and applying these technologies, some of which are not available or licensed anywhere else in the United States.
Environmental Remediation
The Manhattan Project, followed by the Cold War, left a complex assortment of soil and groundwater remediation challenges at the Hanford site. PNNL supports the DOE Richland Operations Office (RL), DOE Office of River Protection (ORP), and the team of contractors that are responsible for cleaning up this arid desert area—particularly the Columbia River Corridor and the Central Plateau.
Computational Biology
At Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, computational biology is the organizing framework that reveals fundamental processes and principles.
Disaster Recovery
PNNL develops tools and partnerships to better anticipate, protect against, and respond effectively to emergencies and aid disaster recovery.
Legislative and Regulatory Analysis
PNNL maintains a dedicated legislative and regulatory analysis and development capability.
Biology
At PNNL, our biology researchers explore human and soil microbiomes to understand their function. We also use nanoscale proteomics, advanced metabolomics, and structural biology to analyze the molecular contents of cells, tissues, plants, and ecosystems. Then we use computational biology to make predictions about how these systems respond to change. Finally, we even manipulate the systems using synthetic biology to take steps to design biological solutions that make the world a better place.