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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Year in Review: Argonne Highlights From 2023
This article reviews important moments that represent both the culmination of pioneering work at Argonne and the beginnings of exciting work ahead.
From Safer Travel to Tracking Extreme Storms and More: PNNL’s Year-End Review
Director Steven Ashby reflects on the science and technology contributions during the past year from the efforts of 6,100 dedicated PNNL staff members
Berkeley Lab’s Big Science Stories of 2023
From clean energy technologies to an antenna on the moon, 2023 was a great year for science at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab).
New Argonne-led Project to Advance Data Analysis Methods for Light Sources
DOE has approved funding for three 5-year projects focused on integration of high performance computing at its X-ray & neutron source user facilities.

University and Stakeholder News

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The Secret to Longer Lasting Batteries Might Be in How Soap Works, New Study Says
A promising electrolyte for longer lasting lithium batteries has complex nanostructures that act like micelle structures do in soaped water.
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Chemist Leads Ambitious Project to Create Foundation for Clean Energy Future
Professor Joaquín Rodríguez-López is launching a new project that aims to produce clean hydrogen, sequester carbon dioxide, & store renewable energies
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From Counting Bees to Detecting Tiny Particles, Grad Student Fulfilling Promise
Thanks to a DOE research award, Tyler Horoho will receive technical training at the Argonne National Lab and Fermi National Accelerator Lab.
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Nuclear Family: Tara Mastren and Her Students Make Medical-Grade Isotopes
Tara Mastren is an assistant professor in the Nuclear Engineering Program at the University of Utah.
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Recently Featured Articles

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Science Highlights

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