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Female Researcher working at ORNL

Research Focus Areas

Our research explores and advances ideas and concepts in eight different research areas working with several university centers including the Institute for Nuclear Security, the Institute for Advanced Materials and Manufacturing (IAMM), the Reliability and Maintainability Center, the Scintillation Materials Research Center, and local collaborators such as Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Read more about our areas of research below.

Computer created image of NESTLE Pin Power Factors.

Advanced Modeling and Simulation

Advanced modeling and simulation of nuclear reactors and associated systems provides valuable guidance for the design and optimization of current and next-generation reactors.

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Diagram of ITER Tomakak

Nuclear Fusion Technology

Nuclear fusion technology research is focused on enabling the development of fusion energy as an economic and environmentally attractive energy source.

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Student Works on Instrumentation Research in UT Lab

Nuclear Instrumentation & Control, Reliability, and Safety

Research in nuclear instrumentation and control (I&C), reliability, and safety explores design of advanced nuclear systems and operating paradigms for current and future nuclear power facilities.

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Close up of nuclear reactor.

Nuclear Reactor Fuels and Materials

Nuclear reactor fuels and materials research is focused on understanding the effects of fission, neutron irradiation, and other environmental factors on the microstructure and performance of nuclear fuels and materials.

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Eric Lukosi stands in a NE Lab

Radiation Detection and Measurement

Radiation detection and measurement is a cross-cutting area that impacts many fundamental and applied areas of science and engineering.

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Student Works in Lukosi Lab

Radiological Science and Health Physics

Radiological science and health physics refers to utilization of beneficial uses of radiation and the protection from its harmful effects.

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