About ORNL

The Science Education Programs at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) are managed by Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) through the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE).

ORNL is a multiprogram science and technology laboratory managed for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) by UT-Battelle, LLC. Scientists and engineers at ORNL conduct basic and applied research and development to create scientific knowledge and technological solutions that strengthen the nation’s leadership in key areas of science; increase the availability of clean, abundant energy; restore and protect the environment; and contribute to national security.

ORNL also performs other work for DOE, including isotope production, information management, and technical program management, and provides research and technical assistance to other organizations. The laboratory is a program of DOE’s Oak Ridge Office.

Originally known as Clinton Laboratories, ORNL was established in 1943 to carry out a single, well-defined mission: the pilot-scale production and separation of plutonium for the World War II Manhattan Project. From this foundation, the Laboratory has evolved into a unique resource for addressing important national and global energy and environmental issues. Today, ORNL pioneers the development of new energy sources, technologies, and materials and the advancement of knowledge in the biological, chemical, computational, engineering, environmental, physical, and social sciences.

ORNL Facts and Figures

Staff: 4,600 total; 3,000 scientists and engineers
Budget: $1.4 billion, 80% Department of Energy, 20% work for others
Replacement cost of buildings: $7 billion
Total land area: 58 square miles
Guest researchers: 3,000 each year, about one-fourth from industry
Visitors: About 30,000 each year, plus 10,000 pre-college students

ORNL’s Economic Impact

Wages: $274 million
Procurement: $270 million
United Way contributions: $836,318
Medical services: $35 million
Tennessee taxes: $9 million
Pensions: $60 million