Science Never Sleeps @OakRidgeNationalLab

Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago

At ORNL, Science Never Sleeps

At Oak Ridge National Laboratory, scientists are building the next generation of research: self-driving labs powered by AI, robotics and high-performance computing.

These autonomous systems run continuous “design, build, test, learn” cycles, operating 24/7 to analyze data in real time and guide experiments. From energy materials to quantum science and microelectronics, this approach is accelerating innovation at unprecedented speed and scale.

Researchers remain central to the process, interpreting results, guiding directions and focusing on high-impact challenges in energy, national security and global competitiveness.

By connecting experiments, simulation and data, ORNL is shaping the labs of the future and redefining how science gets done.

Learn more about #AutonomousScience: ornl.gov/autonomousscience

ORNL is using #BigScience to make a big impact. Learn more: ornl.gov/bigscience

$Promethium unveiled: Rare earth element’s secrets exposed Scientists have uncovered the properties of a #rareearth element that was first discovered 80 years ago at the very same laboratory, opening a new pathway for the exploration of elements critical in modern #technology, from #medicine to #spacetravel. #Promethium was discovered in 1945 at Clinton Laboratories, now Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and continues to be produced at ORNL in minute quantities. Some of its properties have remained elusive despite the rare earth element’s use in medical studies and long-lived nuclear batteries. It is named after the mythological Titan who delivered fire to humans and whose name symbolizes human striving. The ORNL-led team of scientists prepared a chemical complex of promethium, which enabled its characterization in solution for the first time. Thus, they exposed the secrets of this extremely rare lanthanide, whose atomic number is 61, in a series of meticulous experiments. Learn more: https://www.ornl.gov/news/promethium-bound-rare-earth-elements-secrets-exposed This work was primarily co-sponsored by DOE’s Office of Science for ligand synthesis, lanthanide complexation studies, crystallization processes, spectroscopic analyses and simulation efforts. The production, purification and preparation of the promethium sample were supported by the DOE Isotope Program, managed by the Office of Science for Isotope R&D and Production. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction data collection and refinement were supported by the DOE Office of Science.$

Advancing clean energy at the first-ever Innovation Days event

Computational chemist secures the nation

A Climate Science Journey with Asmeret Asefaw Berhe

The MDF didn’t just advance technology—it kickstarted an industry rewriting the rules of production