Computing @ PNNL
We compute for science impact
Did you know the first computers were people?
Before the advent of computers as we know them (and way before those magical pocket-sized computers we call smartphones were even an idea) people relied on just their brains - sometimes with the aid of low-tech tools like abacuses, slide rules, or just a pencil and paper - to solve complex problems of mathematics and engineering.
Today, although the tools have changed, people are still the beating heart of computing
Why do you compute?
Your answer will be as unique as your fingerprint.
Learning
new skills
Managing
your finances
Following current events
Exploring and navigating
We all use computers to learn, entertain, interact, travel, and much more—at speeds unimaginable even a decade ago.
At Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) we embrace the continuum of computing from one-plus-one to AI to cloud to quantum computers.
All this computing generates a lot of data.
Our challenge: translating big data, or in some cases incomplete data, into actionable insights that help people discover the patterns, trends, relationships, and events frequently hidden by information overload.
At PNNL, we compute to:
Discover more about our world
We are using advanced AI tools to help scientists cut through mountains of data to undercover insights in:
- Biotechnology
- National security
- New materials for semiconductors
- Recovery and separation of critical minerals
And much more.
Solve complex problems faster
We have harnessed the power of next-generation artificial intelligence to leap from 32 million potential new materials to an innovative solid-state dual-ion battery in a few short months.
And we have analyzed volumes of historical data about nuclear signatures to create a valuable database for nuclear threat assessment.
Pair human understanding with automated lab systems
From cell phones to solar panels to quantum computers, thin films are essential to current and emerging technologies. But making functional thin films requires control. During hours-long processes, thin films form atom by atom. Detecting defects as soon as possible may help scientists fix films while they’re growing, saving time and money.
PNNL researchers are harnessing scientific machine learning to create a fully autonomous thin film growth system. This constant monitoring and active defect mitigation will connect the instrument, computer hardware, and software developed by the team.
Make smart decisions
Developed by PNNL data scientists, PermitAI is a one-stop data platform and a powerful suite of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to streamline and accelerate the review process for critical energy infrastructure. It uses large language models and a vast repository of historical environmental review data formerly spread across five federal agencies to speed the conduct of required federal environmental reviews.
PermitAI will enable local, state, and federal agencies to make faster, more informed permitting decisions, reducing delays and costs.
Gain deeper insights from data
PNNL aims to automate, augment, and assist human operations via human-machine pairing.
We apply user interface engineering, product and user experience design, software quality, and human factors/computer interaction techniques to develop and deploy real world solutions.
Enhance human decision-making, not replace it
Recognizing that generative AI holds extraordinary promise as a tool for innovation, our Center for AI both contributes to making GenAI more effective for scientific applications and integrates GenAI into existing research projects.
For example, PNNL partnered with Google to reduce power disruption during emergencies through adaptive power grid management in real time using deep learning. A new software application called Smart-PGSim uses AI to efficiently solve power grid simulations crucial for planning and optimizing electricity delivery.
Preserve critical infrastructure
We assess the security and performance of software, hardware, mobile platforms, and internet-connected devices.
And we equip cyber defenders to test and evaluate technology, detect and repair vulnerabilities, monitor and isolate adversaries, and predict and prevent cyberattacks, addressing an urgent need to defend against software-speed attacks and hazards.
Imagine the next generation of computing hardware and partner to make it happen
We are exploring novel memory technologies to address complex science applications and problems that are constrained by memory shortcomings in current computing hardware configurations.
Computing in Action at PNNL: Leading Quantum Tools for Science
Discover how researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory are preparing for the quantum computing revolution today. By unleashing the power of hybrid architectures that integrate AI and high-performance computing, they are setting the stage for solving complex problems in science and creating new energy solutions for the nation.
Discover how researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory are preparing for the quantum computing revolution today. By unleashing the power of hybrid architectures that integrate AI and high-performance computing, they are setting the stage for solving complex problems in science and creating new energy solutions for the nation.
PNNL researchers are creating a better collaboration between people and computers.
Our innovations help you to compute in all the ways that enhance your life.
Explore our pioneering research, meet our experts, and discover how PNNL is tackling the computing challenges of the future.
Contact us or follow us on: Facebook / YouTube / Instagram / LinkedIn / X
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Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is managed and operated by Battelle for the Department of Energy
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