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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Human-AI Coworking
To capitalize on AI & researcher strengths, scientists developed a human-AI collaboration recommender system for improved experimentation performance.
Scientists Shine New Light on the Future of Nanoelectronic Devices
Researchers develop a novel method for studying brain-like circuitry in nanomaterials using Argonne’s Advanced Photon Source.
Ang Shares Vision of a CHIPS-Enabled Future for Advanced Computing
James (Jim) Ang, who is a chief scientist for computing at Pacific Northwest National Lab, participated in a CHIPS R&D event and roundtable discussion
Engineers Week at Fermilab Offers Inspiration
Engineers Week is a weeklong event that takes place every February, a time for engineers to convene and attend various activities and presentations.

University and Stakeholder News

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Viral Protein Fragments May Unlock Mystery Behind Serious COVID-19 Outcomes
A research team has shown that fragments of the coronavirus may drive inflammation by mimicking the action of specific immune molecules in the body.
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FRIB Users to Construct Next-Generation Neutron Detector
Researchers and students at eight U.S. colleges and universities are participating in the effort to construct a next-generation fast-neutron detector.
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Engineering Professor to Research How Wildfires Affect Microplastic Pollution Levels
Asst. professor Marwa El-Sayed will analyze plastic particles - concentrations, size distribution, and composition at varying combustion conditions.
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RPI Researchers Engineer Bacteria That Eat Plastic, Make Multipurpose Spider Silk
Inspired by silk seen in nature, such as spider silk, RPI scientists aim to reduce plastic waste by converting it to ecofriendly silk proteins.
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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