Our Mission

DOE’s Office of Science has a mission to deliver scientific discoveries and major scientific tools to transform our understanding of nature and advance the energy, economic, and national security of the United States. We are the nation’s largest federal sponsor of basic research in the physical sciences and are a major supporter of research in such key scientific fields as physics, materials science, computing, and chemistry. We are also the lead federal agency supporting fundamental scientific research related to energy.

To keep America in the forefront of discovery and innovation, we sponsor research at hundreds of universities, national laboratories, and other institutions across the country. We also build and maintain a vitally important array of large-scale scientific facilities at the DOE national laboratories, which are used by thousands of researchers every year.

About the Office of Science

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The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Science is the nation’s largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences, the steward of 10 DOE national laboratories, and the lead federal agency supporting fundamental research for energy production and security. Our job is to keep America at the forefront of discovery. This video is an overview of the Office of Science’s mission, people, and resources.
Video courtesy of DOE's Office of Science

Science Headlines

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OFC24 Shines Light on ORNL's Quantum Networking Expertise
ORNL researchers had roles at the Optic Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition, one of the world’s largest optical conferences, on March 26-28.
SLAC Completes Construction of the Largest Digital Camera Ever Built for Astronomy
The 3,200-megapixel LSST Camera will help researchers better understand dark matter, dark energy and other mysteries of our universe.
Yuting Luo receives 2024 Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award
The award recognizes important scientific or technical accomplishments at (or beneficial to) the Advanced Photon Source.
Electron-Ion Collider Set to Begin Long-Lead Procurements
The Critical Decision 3A (CD-3A), the official OK to procure key components for building for the Electron-Ion Collider, has been approved.

University and Stakeholder News

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Transforming Wood Waste for Sustainable Manufacturing
A Washington University in St. Louis associate professor takes a detailed look at lignin disassembly on path to replace petroleum with renewables.
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Say Hello to Biodegradable Microplastics
Research at UC San Diego shows plant-based polymers can disappear within seven months.
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Rice Researchers Develop 3D-Printed Wood from its Own Natural Components
Researchers developed a water-based ink to produce architecturally intricate wood structures via a 3D printing technique known as direct ink writing.
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The Most Precise Measurement of Our Expanding Universe
The DESI collaboration has made the most precise measurements to date of how fast the universe has expanded throughout its history.
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Science Highlights

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Dept. of Energy Office of Science delivers scientific discoveries, tools for the nation via programs in Advanced Scientific Computing Research; Basic Energy Sciences; Biological & Environmental Research; Fusion Energy Sciences; High Energy Physics; Nuclear Physics. Also supports Accelerator Research; Isotope Research; Small Business Innovation Research and Technology Transfer; 5 national quantum centers; 2 energy innovation hubs. Stewards 10 DOE national labs. 100-plus Nobel Prizes, $8.1 billion budget.

The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time.

Image courtesy of the Department of Energy Office of Science