50 States Impacts
Fiscal Year 2025
Partnering for a stronger future
INL’s mission is to change the world’s energy future and secure our nation’s critical infrastructure. That means collaborating with other national laboratories, universities and organizations in all 50 states. The map below illustrates how INL’s influence extends well beyond its western borders.
In the DOME and LOTUS test beds at the Materials and Fuels Complex, advanced nuclear companies like TerraPower, Oklo, Radiant and Aalo are taking advantage of the expertise and dedication of INL researchers and engineers. The work being done here aligns with the nation’s growing energy demands. As our profile grows and our name becomes more widely known, these are exciting times for INL.
Accomplishments and data are from fiscal year 2025.
Explore the map below to discover how INL’s influence extends well beyond its western borders.
Terminology Key
- INL Graduate Fellows – supports top students with mentoring and funding for graduate school
- Joint Appointments – researchers formally affiliated with both INL and a university
- NSUF Rapid Turnaround Experiments – small experiments that give researchers quick access to nuclear materials and facilities
- GAIN Vouchers – provide innovators access to DOE lab expertise to advance nuclear technologies
- Laboratory-Directed Research and Development Projects – INL-funded research led by INL scientists to advance innovation
- Cooperative Research and Development Agreements – partnerships where INL and non-federal entities collaborate on R&D
- Strategic Partnership Projects – INL performs work for non-federal partners using its unique capabilities
- Adjunct Faculty – INL employees who also serve as non-tenure-track university faculty
Idaho
INL’s leadership in Idaho drives national progress in nuclear science, energy innovation, and workforce excellence.
Idaho Direct Impact
As a major contributor to Idaho’s economy, INL’s impact on its home state is extensive. From $252.1 million in subcontracts to Idaho organizations to 2,149 degrees earned by INL employees from Idaho colleges and universities, INL’s influence on Idaho and Idaho’s influence on INL is immense. Additionally, INL hosted 180 interns from Idaho, further contributing to the development of local talent.
Northern Region
Northern Idaho is rich with natural beauty and educational opportunities. It features the stunning Lake Coeur d’Alene, which spans over 25 miles and offers boating, fishing, and swimming. The Coeur d’Alene Scenic Byway, named one of America’s most beautiful drives by National Geographic, runs along its eastern shore.
The region also includes the Kootenai National Wildlife Refuge in Boundary County, home to diverse wildlife. Additionally, the University of Idaho in Moscow contributes to the area’s vibrant community.
Western Region
Western Idaho is home to the vibrant city of Boise, located in Ada County. Boise is known for its thriving arts and culture scene, including the famous Boise River Greenbelt, a 25-mile scenic pathway along the Boise River that offers biking, walking, and wildlife viewing.
Canyon County, on the other hand, is renowned for its wine country, particularly the Sunnyslope Wine Trail, which features over 15 wineries and vineyards. This area is celebrated for producing some of Idaho’s finest wines, thanks to its unique climate and fertile soil.
Central Region
Central Idaho, including Lemhi, Custer, and Blaine counties, is home to the stunning Sawtooth National Recreation Area, covering over 756,000 acres of wilderness, alpine lakes, and rugged peaks. Known as the American Alps,” this area offers hiking, fishing, and camping. Even in this area of untouched wilderness, INL impact can be felt.
Southern Region
Southern Idaho is home to the spectacular Shoshone Falls, often referred to as the Niagara of the West.” Located in Twin Falls County, Shoshone Falls is actually higher than Niagara Falls, with a drop of 212 feet. The falls are a major attraction in the region, offering stunning views and recreational opportunities in the surrounding park. Additionally, this area is part of the Magic Valley, which is renowned for its rich agricultural productivity, thanks to the Snake River’s extensive irrigation system.
Eastern Region
Eastern Idaho is home to the Idaho National Laboratory. As part of the greater Yellowstone area, the region offers stunning natural landscapes, including many hot springs. Additionally, Eastern Idaho is known for its rich agricultural heritage, particularly in Bingham County, which is famously dubbed the Potato Capital of the World.” The area celebrates its potato farming legacy with the annual Idaho Potato Expo in Blackfoot, where visitors can learn all about Idaho’s most famous crop and even see the world’s largest potato chip!
Southeastern Region
Southeastern Idaho is home to the city of Pocatello in Bannock County, which is known as the Gateway to the Northwest.” Pocatello is famous for its unique “Smile Ordinance,” a light-hearted city law enacted in 1948 that makes it illegal not to smile in public. Although it started as a joke following a harsh winter, the ordinance has become a charming part of the city’s identity.
Additionally, Power County is home to the American Falls Reservoir, a significant recreational area offering boating, fishing, and birdwatching opportunities. The reservoir is also a key component of the region’s water management and irrigation system, supporting local agriculture.