Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is a premier research and development institution for science and technology applied to national security. We are responsible for ensuring that the nation’s nuclear weapons remain safe, secure, and reliable. LLNL also applies its expertise to prevent the spread and use of weapons of mass destruction and strengthen homeland security.
Our national security mission requires special multidisciplinary capabilities that are also used to pursue programs in advanced defense technologies, energy, environment, biosciences, and basic science to meet important national needs. These activities enhance the competencies needed for our defining national security mission.
The Laboratory serves as a resource to the U.S. government and is a partner with industry and academia. Safe, secure, and efficient operations and scientific and technical excellence in our programs are necessary to sustain public trust in the Laboratory.
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.
Nuclear
Weapons Stockpile Stewardship.
Livermore plays a prominent role in NNSA’s Stockpile Stewardship Program. Laboratory scientists and engineers must assure the safety and reliability of the nation’s nuclear weapons, certify weapon performance, and extend the life of weapons or develop replacements in the absence of nuclear testing.
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.
Advanced
Defense Capabilities. Livermore provides the Department of Defense, the intelligence community, and other agencies with analytical 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 advanced technology, Livermore seeks challenges that reinforce its national security mission and have the potential for high-payoff results.
Energy
and Environment. Long-term research is needed to provide the nation with abundant, reliable energy and 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.
Chemistry,
Materials, Earth, and Life Sciences.
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.
Fundamental
Science and Advanced 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 projects entail collaborations with universities,
industry, and/or other laboratories.