Today, as the United States faces major challenges in energy, environment and national security, research at Argonne fuels the economic competitiveness of Illinois, the Midwest and beyond. Our goal is to ignite an innovation ecology that strengthens research partnerships among the state’s universities, laboratories and industry.

Argonne’s impact on Illinois

FY 2010 by the numbers

• 4,950 jobs created throughout Illinois
• $695 million total economic impact on Illinois
• $600 million in federal research funding attracted to Illinois
• $210 million in income for Illinois households
• $90 million in goods and services purchased from Illinois businesses
• $34 million in construction at Argonne’s Illinois site
• 5,500 researchers from all over the world using Argonne’s Illinois facilities
• 800 researchers from more than 50 Illinois universities, companies and other organizations

Dozens of new start-up companies have grown directly out of Argonne research and expertise, such as Advanced Diamond Technologies in Romeoville and SmartSignal in Lisle, which was subsequently purchased by GE Intelligent Platforms. In the last five years, Argonne has received 36 new patents, issued more than 197 technology licenses, including 170 on software, and received more than $15 million in licensing royalties

Argonne trains Illinois’ high-tech workforce

Argonne prepares the next generation of scientists and engineers to take up the nation’s science and technology challenges. Dedicated to improving education in science, mathematics, engineering and technology, in 2011 we worked with more than 4,300 elementary, middle and high school students from Illinois. Last year, over 600 undergraduate and graduate interns worked side-by-side with researchers. Further, more than 300 college graduate students and post-doctoral researchers gain valuable experience every year as part of our R&D activities.

Giving back

Argonne employees support surrounding communities in many ways. Over the years, our employees have voluntarily donated millions of dollars to local charities, hosted food drives, coat drives, blood drives and toy drives, as well supported several relief funds. Argonne employees volunteer their time and talents to assist in public forums and neighborhood events; they serve as members and officers of local service clubs, school boards, village councils, and many other community organizations.

Many Argonne researchers also serve as mentors in their communities, encouraging students to expand their knowledge by visiting classrooms, attending career and science fairs or hosting special programs at the laboratory.  For more information, please contact speakers@anl.gov.