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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Scientists Combine Climate Models for More Accurate Projections
Researchers have created a new method for statistically analyzing climate models that projects future conditions with more fidelity.
Yuhu Zhai named PPPL Distinguished Engineering Fellow of 2023
Zhai is a principal engineer at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory.
Brainstorming with a Bot
The Center for Functional Nanomaterial's Kevin Yager develops a chatbot with an expertise in nanomaterials.
Three-Pronged Approach Discerns Qualities of Quantum Spin Liquids
A team confirmed QSL behavior in a new material that could contribute to constructing high-quality superconductors and quantum computing components.

University and Stakeholder News

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Partners in Data: Q&A with Vice Provost Dennis Manos
William & Mary will benefit from a new $300+ million High Performance Data Facility hub led by longtime partner Jefferson Lab in Newport News.
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Advancing Semiconductor Research: 'µ-ATOMS' Energy Frontier Research Center Conference
The conference showcased and evaluated the Center’s performance in research, management & workforce development, and long-term semiconductor research.
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Student Spotlight: Aidan Klemm
Klemm will head to Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee as a part of the DOE Office of Science Graduate Student Research Program.
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Chemistry Professor Brings $2.2 Million Federal Grant to Hunter
Hunter College Chemistry Professor Lynn Francesconi will lead a project investigating an important emerging clean-energy technology,
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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