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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Engineered Battery Chemistry for Fast Charging Capabilities
Chemists at DOE's Brookhaven National Lab have used an electrolyte additive to improve the functionality of energy-dense lithium metal batteries.
Developing Data Science Approaches for Nanoparticle Synthesis
Machine learning methods and data science can uncover hidden patterns in nanoparticle synthesis conditions and property outcomes.
Researchers Add a ‘Twist’ to Classical Material Design
Researchers at SLAC, Stanford U, and LBNL grew a twisted multilayer crystal structure for the first time and measured the structure’s key properties.
Studying Scarce Electrons
New research at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory demonstrates how to study low concentrations of electrons in complex oxide films.

University and Stakeholder News

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Lab of Plasma Studies Joins DOE-Funded Hub to Advance Fusion Energy
Cornell University’s Laboratory of Plasma Studies has joined the newly established Inertial Fusion Science and Technology Hub, known as RISE.
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New Decadal Report Maps Out U.S. Priorities in Particle Physics Research
The Particle Physics Project Prioritization Panel (P5) whose participants include a UT physicist delivered recommendations to decision makers.
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A New (Micro) Lens on Optics: Researchers Develop Hybrid Achromats with High Focusing Efficiencies
Using 3D printing & porous silicon, researchers have developed visible wavelength achromats that are essential for miniaturized & lightweight optics.
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A Cool (Temperature) Take on Direct Air Carbon Capture
Lehigh University tackles developing new technology that extracts CO2 at ambient temperature, such as industrial waste heat or geothermal energy.
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Recently Featured Articles

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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