From Innovation to Impact

PSD has primary responsibility for accelerating the discovery, design, and application of new materials 

and chemical processes for energy. Our research spans disciplines representing ORNL’s strengths.

• Innovative materials and chemistries—We couple basic and applied research with state-of-the-art 

synthesis, characterization, and computation to deliver a wide range of materials designed with tailored 

properties. Core expertise includes novel structural materials, chemical and isotope separations, energy 

production and storage, and materials for extreme environments. 

• World-leading tools for science—We use and develop advanced characterization techniques 

that deliver highly innovative materials and chemical science solutions for real-world applications and 

advance nuclear analytical capabilities to support national strategic goals.

• Knowledge at the quantum level—We harness quantum mechanics to understand nuclear, 

chemical, and material properties that govern quantum materials and to develop quantum devices and 

sensors with exquisite performances and sensitivities.

• Advancing theory—We use theory, modeling, and simulation to enable the design of new materials 

with superior properties to address the world’s energy and national security needs, provide insights into 

chemical properties of matter, and enable descriptions of nuclei and stellar nucleosynthesis.

• Fundamental to applied physics—We search for extremely rare decays and minute physical effects 

to advance our fundamental understanding of nature and help solve the puzzle of why the universe 

has more matter than antimatter. We also study the behavior of nuclei under extreme conditions and 

develop nuclear physics-based detectors and techniques that enable high-resolution nondestructive 

imaging. Additionally, we develop data science methods founded in first-principles physics to advance 

state-of-the-art capabilities in the field. 

“We solve fundamental science challenges

and advance technological solutions to 

enable a resilient and secure energy future.”

Cynthia Jenks, Associate Laboratory Director

Physical Sciences Directorate

27

Patents issued 

in FY 2021

43

Partnerships in 

FY 2021

999

Journal publications

 in FY 2021

11

Licenses issued 

in FY 2021

656

Unique users

in FY 2021

4

Governor’s

Chairs 

Physical Sciences at ORNL

OAK RIDGE NATIONAL LABORATORY

Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s (ORNL’s) Physical Sciences Directorate (PSD) has a mission to deliver scientific discoveries and 

technical breakthroughs needed to realize solutions in energy and national security and provide economic benefit to the nation. 

Our portfolio includes materials, chemistry, nanoscience, and nuclear and particle physics, and spans the research spectrum from 

fundamental science to technology attaining high readiness levels. Our research provides cross-cutting foundational knowledge to 

enable missions across ORNL directorates. Our expertise aligns with the Laboratory’s scientific activities and initiatives, particularly in 

the areas of computational and data sciences, and we are committed to leading the world in neutron scattering research for materials 

and chemical sciences.
Programmatic and Technical Leadership

PSD provides leadership at ORNL for the US Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Basic Energy Sciences program, including research for 

the Materials Sciences and Engineering Division; the Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences Division; and the Scientific User 

Facilities Division. PSD also provides leadership of ORNL programs supported by the DOE Offices of Nuclear Physics and High Energy 

Physics. PSD is home to the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (CNMS), one of five DOE-BES Nanoscale Science Research Centers.

CNMS provides a national and international user community access to expertise and instrumentation for a broad 

range of nanoscience research including nanomaterials synthesis; nanofabrication; imaging, microscopy, and 

characterization; and theory, modeling, and simulation. CNMS also acts as gateway for the nanoscience community 

to benefit from ORNL’s neutron scattering facilities (Spallation Neutron Source and High Flux Isotope Reactor) and 

computational resources. All CNMS resources are accessible based on the submittal and approval of peer-reviewed 

proposals and are offered at no cost to users who intend to publish their results.

1

Energy Frontier

Research

Center

$145M

In revenue

in FY 2021

4

Research

divisions

57

Invention

disclosures in

FY 2021

522

Employees

CONTACT:

Cynthia Jenks

Associate Laboratory Director

Physical Sciences Directorate

jenkscj@ornl.gov,

865-576-1219 

One Bethel Valley Road, 

Oak Ridge, TN 37830

Oak Ridge National Laboratory is managed by UT-Battelle LLC for the US Department of Energy January 2022

www.ornl.gov

Parans Paranthaman, a researcher in the Chemical Sciences Division, coordinated research 

efforts to study the filter efficiency of N95 material, outlining the science behind ORNL’s 

successful production of the material in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.