ORNL has many highly sophisticated research laboratories designed to serve our scientific staff and sponsors. Many of these contain unique equipment that can be found only in the most advanced research laboratories throughout the world. Several laboratories through ORNL are dedicated to specific separations technologies, including solvent extraction, ion exchange, bioprocessing, and electromagnetic and plasma separations. Many laboratories are equipped and permitted to handle extremely hazardous or radioactive chemicals.
Laboratories also house unique analytical measurement equipment.
Other laboratories are dedicated to computer modeling with workstations and Intel Paragon computers. Collaborative research programs provide access to unique computers throughout the DOE complex. This designation facilitates use by researchers from universities, industries, and other government laboratories. The Office of Science and Technology Partnership coordinates access to the user facilities. The Bioprocessing Facility focuses on the application of biological systems to the solution of real-world energy and environmental problems.