Category: Science

Idaho and Trump Administration sign agreement to support US nuclear energy future

(IDAHO FALLS, Idaho) — The State of Idaho and the U.S. Department of Energy have agreed to a targeted waiver of the 1995 Settlement Agreement. The agreement established milestones to remove legacy waste at the Idaho National Laboratory site while allowing nuclear energy research and development at the lab. The waiver will enable critical research […]

Advanced Nuclear First Mover Initiative: Ready, set, grow

GAIN and NASEO help states fast-track nuclear energy development Eleven governors and their state energy offices are putting out ready-for-business signs to advanced nuclear energy developers under an initiative that taps into experts at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). The National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) partnered with the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) […]

TRIPWIRE: Leading the way for radiation detection

As nations explore ways to reduce carbon emissions, nuclear energy is increasingly recognized as a safe, reliable option for coping with the increase in electricity use. Further, tomorrow’s advanced nuclear reactors are smaller and more flexible than today’s reactor fleet, which allows them to integrate more renewables with the grid, provide heat for industry, and […]

Idaho National Laboratory opens 2025 Bright Future in Energy Scholarship competition

(IDAHO FALLS, Idaho) — The Idaho National Laboratory today announced the opening of the 2025 Bright Future in Energy Scholarship competition, a scholarship program open to 11th and 12th grade students interested in pursuing a postsecondary education and career focused on science, technology, engineering or math. With funding provided by Battelle Energy Alliance, INL expects […]

INL, Idaho State University broaden collaborative research initiatives

(IDAHO FALLS, Idaho) — Today, the Idaho National Laboratory and Idaho State University signed an agreement to deepen collaborative research and development projects that will advance solutions to the nation’s energy and security challenges. The newly signed Strategic Understanding for Premier Education and Research, or SUPER agreement, expands cooperation between ISU students, faculty, and laboratory […]

Research partnership: Bridging innovation through collaboration

Collaboration between Idaho National Laboratory and universities are more than practical arrangements; they’re the backbone of innovation. As Alexander Graham Bell wisely observed, “Great discoveries and improvements invariably involve the cooperation of many minds.” These partnerships blend diverse perspectives to address global challenges like energy, climate change and health care. Joint appointments facilitate the exchange […]

A family affair: Four generations of Corsbergs have found their passion at INL

For 75 years, Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and its predecessors have drawn people from all over the world to the ever-growing community of southeastern Idaho. The laboratory has also brought opportunities to families already living within that community. For the Corsberg family, working at the INL complex throughout its many name changes, different contractors and […]

On time, under budget: INL projects demonstrate ability to deliver on big nuclear jobs

Since its days as the National Reactor Testing Station, Idaho National Laboratory (INL) has focused on proving that what people think can’t be done is in fact possible. In the past decade, the lab has repeatedly demonstrated to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the nuclear industry that it can complete large, complicated nuclear […]

David Teter selected as Idaho National Laboratory chief operating officer

(IDAHO FALLS, Idaho) — Following an extensive nationwide search, David Teter has been selected as the Idaho National Laboratory’s next deputy laboratory director for management and operations and chief operating officer. Teter will begin his new role in the spring of 2025. He succeeds Juan Alvarez, who left INL in October to become executive vice […]

INL hosts forensics training for Ukraine to deter nuclear threats

It’s a long way from the Donbas region of Ukraine to Idaho, but Ukrainian officials recently made the trip to learn about collecting evidence after a nuclear attack. Ten soldiers from the Armed Forces of Ukraine and 10 members from the Security Services of Ukraine spent a week at Idaho National Laboratory learning and practicing […]

New eyes on nuclear: Technology industry reps, investment bankers visit INL to learn about financing opportunities, risks

The future promises big advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence, and corporate America is once again eyeing nuclear energy. The interest reflects a growing awareness on Wall Street and in Silicon Valley that nuclear could be the best way to get consistent, carbon-free electricity to energy-hungry data centers. Representatives from such multibillion-dollar companies as […]

Breaking barriers: How a fresh perspective helped solve challenges in nuclear safeguards

Luis Ocampo Giraldo moved from Armenia, Colombia, to Morristown, New Jersey, when he was in eighth grade. While most teenagers struggle to navigate the many changes that come with adolescence, Ocampo Giraldo was also navigating the intricacies of a new country: learning a new language, adjusting to a new culture and, to keep things interesting, […]

Idaho National Laboratory opens application period for 2025 K-12 education grants

Idaho National Laboratory has opened the application period for its STEM grants. INL will award grants on behalf of Battelle Energy Alliance, which operates the lab for the U.S. Department of Energy. INL cultivates Idaho’s education landscape by leveraging partnerships and resources to grow science, technology, engineering and math opportunities for all. The lab seeks […]

Standing guard against network invaders

Anyone who has flown on a commercial flight, crossed an international border, visited a government building or attended a concert knows you’re not getting inside until you pass the security guards. Placing guards outside the gates is a centuries-old defense strategy used to protect people, places and things from those who seek to do harm. […]

From dust to sustainability

Some people may look at piles of hemp dust and fiber waste lying on the floor after a day of manufacturing thermal insulation and simply see trash. However, Matthew Mead from Hempitecture wondered if he could turn that trash into treasure. “It really presents a great opportunity for us,” Mead said. “Whether it’s another way […]

Fire and ice: To make the grid more resilient, INL researchers delve into advanced conductor testing

As businesses and organizations across America increasingly adopt digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence, the energy demands on the power grid from data centers have surged. These centers, vital for storing and processing the data that artificial intelligence requires, consume vast amounts of electricity to power servers, maintain connectivity and manage cooling. Data centers are just […]

INL hosts national event for Nuclear Science Week

Students invited to explore STEM at Family Nuclear Science Night As Idaho National Laboratory celebrates its 75th anniversary, the laboratory is partnering with the National Museum of Nuclear Science & History to host the national event for Nuclear Science Week, a weeklong celebration of how nuclear science improves our lives. INL invites local students and […]

Programming for cost efficiency: An intern’s innovation in nuclear automation

The potential for remote operation and autonomous control, which could improve operational efficiency and reduce risk, is a major selling point for some advanced nuclear technologies. Take microreactors, for example. These small nuclear reactors are designed to be able to operate independently from the electric grid with limited local operating assistance — an exciting notion […]

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