Lawrence Livermore National is one
of three national security laboratories that support
the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
within the Department of Energy (DOE).
Providing for national
security demands outstanding science and technology
(S&T) capabilities at the Laboratory to meet
mission requirements. These special S&T capabilities
provide opportunities for Livermore to meet other enduring
national needs, and these programs enhance the
Laboratory’s ability to perform its national
security mission.
National
Security. The Laboratory was established in 1952
to help ensure national security through the design,
development, and stewardship of nuclear weapons.
National security continues to be Livermore’s
defining responsibility.
W80 Test Unit
Nuclear
Weapons Stockpile Stewardship. Livermore
plays a prominent role in NNSA’s Stockpile
Stewardship Program. Laboratory scientists and
engineers must assure safety and reliability of
the nation’s nuclear weapons and certify
weapon performance in the absence of nuclear testing.
Detecting smuggled uranium
in cargo containers
Nonproliferation
and Homeland Security. Nuclear weapons expertise
and extensive capabilities in physical and life
sciences are applied to meet the challenge of weapons-of-mass-destruction
(WMD) proliferation and terrorism. For example,
the Laboratory develops advanced technologies such
as real-time, portable detectors of nuclear materials
and biological agents.
An award-winning laser
technology for defense
Advanced
Defense Capabilities. Livermore provides
the Department of Defense, the intelligence community,
and other agencies analytic support and advanced
technologies to meet current and emerging national
security needs.
Enduring
National Needs. The Laboratory pursues
research and development in areas of enduring importance
to the nation. In support of DOE mission priorities
in energy and environment, bioscience, and fundamental
science and applied technology, Livermore seeks
challenges that reinforce its national security
mission and have the potential for high-payoff
results.
Advanced simulations
help understand
global climate change
Energy
and Environment. Long-term research is needed
to provide the nation with abundant, reliable energy
as well as a clean environment. Livermore’s
programs contribute to the scientific and technological
basis for secure, sustainable, and clean energy
resources for the U.S. and to reducing environmental
risks.
PEREGRINE, a technology
developed to improve radiation
therapy for cancer
Bioscience
and Biotechnology. Bioscience research at
Livermore is directed at understanding the causes
and mechanisms of ill health, developing biodefense
capabilities, improving disease prevention, and
lowering health-care costs. Projects leverage the
Laboratory’s extensive physical science,
computing, and engineering capabilities.
The Sustained Spheromak
Physics Experiment for
magnetic fusion research
Fundamental
Science and Applied Technology. Scientists
and engineers pursue projects in fundamental science
and applied technology that build on the Laboratory’s
core strengths and take advantage of the unique
research capabilities and facilities at Livermore.
Many efforts entail collaborations with universities,
industry, and/or other laboratories.