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# People

## Passion | Purpose | Impact

We're chemists and physicists. Computer engineers and data scientists. Geographers and anthropologists. Biologists and mathematicians. Together, we are a team of 500+ scientists, engineers, analysts, and professionals working on exciting challenges and translating scientific research into tangible solutions for critical national security missions. We deliver these missions with shared purpose, passion, creativity, and innovation. 

Join us on the front lines of innovation

### We love what we do

From nuclear threats and terrorism to cyber attacks and climate change, the national security threats we face are too broad and complex for any one discipline to solve. In the National Security Sciences Directorate, we bring together diverse, multidisciplinary teams to focus ORNL's resources and expertise on the biggest security challenges of our time. 

Whatever your academic or career background, there's a path for you to contribute to meaningful national security missions.

Explore pathways to a career in national security science

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“I came to the lab for the research opportunities, but the day-to-day work is about the people you work with, and I’m thankful for working with a fantastic team.” 

- Software Engineer Sophie Voisin

Meet Sophie

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“My work at ORNL is very fulfilling. I work with some of the best scientists in the world to deliver solutions with global impact in support of nuclear nonproliferation.” 

- Nuclear Engineer Stephen Dahunsi

Meet Stephen

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“Working at ORNL allows me to explore the topics I am most interested while knowing that the work I am doing has a real impact on the society I am living in."

- Computer Scientist Amir Sadovnik

Meet Amir

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"ORNL has an optimal mix of domain researchers and theoretical scientists who are dedicated to work together with a shared focus on solving critical problems."

- Mathematician Sreelekha Guggilam

Meet Sreelekha

### What we do matters

We're modeling populations to protect them from resource scarcities and enable quicker responses when disaster strikes. 

We're researching the threats to and from emerging AI systems to keep them -- and us -- safe from unintended consequences.

We're developing technologies to track in real time the safety and security of nuclear materials in transit.

The national security missions we serve and the science-based solutions we provide will bolster our nation's capabilities, strengthen our allies and partners, and ensure a prosperous global future.

Explore our missions and their global impact**

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####                 Securing the nation            

ORNL's National Security Sciences Directorate is rapidly advancing the science of resilience, security, and analytics to solve critical challenges in nuclear security, cybersecurity, and human security.

####                 Serving with Passion            

It's a passion. A calling to serve an important mission. Hear why our researchers come to work every day to deliver the science that secures the nation.

####                 Tackling Big Challenges            

Our people are tackling the biggest challenges in national security, often working behind the scenes.