Gov. Blagojevich proclaims Argonne National Laboratory Day in Illinois in celebration of 60 years of cutting-edge research and development

CHICAGO (Nov. 28, 2006) — Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today declared “Argonne National Laboratory Day” in Illinois in recognition of Argonne's sixty years of world recognized scientific research and development. Argonne National Laboratory, which is part of the U.S. Department of Energy (USDOE) and operated and managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC, owned solely by the University of Chicago, is a multi-program national laboratory known for its world-class innovations in energy, science, technology, biomedicine and national security.

“The State of Illinois is incredibly fortunate to host Argonne National Laboratory, which has been a driving force behind our country's scientific and technological discoveries for 60 years. In celebration of its far-reaching contributions and initiatives leading to future advancements, it gives me a great deal of pleasure to declare today ‘Argonne National Laboratory Day' in Illinois,” Gov. Blagojevich said. “The research technology at Argonne has translated into significant scientific and economic benefits for our state, and this growing facility will continue to play an important role in the emergence of Illinois as a national center for science and technology. We look forward to continue working together to leverage larger investments  at this i mportant facility, advance cutting-edge research and create more high-tech, high-paying Illinois jobs.”

Argonne National Laboratory, chartered in 1946, is the nation's first national laboratory and was established as an extension of the Metallurgical Laboratory at the University of Chicago, which contributed to America's victory in World War II through the Manhattan Project. Over the last 60 years, Argonne has advanced scientific and technological research, which has led to significant advances in energy, health and biotechnology, materials and chemistry, climate and weather, environmental technology, computing and information, high-energy and nuclear physics, and nuclear non-proliferation. Argonne employs approximately 2,900 employees, including about 1,000 scientists and engineers, of whom about 600 hold doctoral degrees. In addition, Argonne's annual operating budget of more than $500 million supports upwards of 200 research projects.

“As Argonne celebrates its sixtieth anniversary, we are pleased to have this recognition from Governor Blagojevich,” said Argonne Director Robert Rosner. “On behalf of Argonne's 2,900 employees and the more than 5,000 users annually of our scientific facilities, I thank the Governor and the people of Illinois for this recognition.”

Gov. Blagojevich has committed almost $93 million in funding for projects at Argonne National Laboratory since the beginning of his administration. These important technology projects include the Center for Nanoscale Materials, Ricketts Regional Biocontainment Laboratory, the Advanced Protein Crystallization Facility and I-WIRE. These investments have been part of the Governor's aggressive strategy to spur scientific and economic growth and create more jobs throughout Northeast Illinois.

“ Argonne's world-class research facilities are a tremendous asset not only to the state's economy and R&D capacity, but to the nation and beyond. Gov. Blagojevich and I are proud of our strong record of support for this leading research and development center, which is continuing to reach new heights and scientific discovery, and we look forward to working together with them for many years to come,” Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Jack Lavin said.