National Security
Developing science and technology to strengthen national security and strategic resilience.
Read all National Security newsNational Security Starts with Science
Since its founding during the Manhattan Project, Oak Ridge National Laboratory has advanced the science and technology that protect the United States. To address modern and emerging threats to U.S. national security, ORNL translates scientific discoveries into technology solutions.
National security starts with science. And at ORNL, science ends in impact.
We bring together world-leading capabilities in nuclear science, high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, materials and manufacturing, cyber-physical systems, and geospatial data science to help the nation anticipate threats, strengthen resilience, and deliver mission-ready solutions. This integration allows us to move from fundamental discovery to deployable solutions—quickly, responsibly, and at scale.
The challenges are complex and the need for solutions urgent. But our approach is simple: start with science, integrate across disciplines, and deliver impact at speed and scale.
National Security is a Lab-Wide Mission
80+ Years
supporting national security through science
60+ Sponsors
supporting national security programs at ORNL
2,000+ Staff
support national security programs at ORNL each year
The Challenge We Face
An Evolving Threat Landscape
From emerging technologies and cyber-physical attacks to nuclear proliferation and supply chain vulnerabilities, the threats to America’s national security continue to evolve at a rapid pace.
- Nuclear proliferation risks and emerging advanced reactor technologies
- Sophisticated cyberattacks targeting energy grids and critical infrastructure
- Fragile global supply chains and foreign dependence for critical materials
- Increasing natural disasters and geopolitical instability
- The rapid emergence of artificial intelligence, autonomy, and quantum technologies
These challenges are interconnected. They demand integrated, science-based solutions.
National security today demands integrated, science driven solutions.
What We Do
Reduce Nuclear Risk
Advancing uranium science, safeguards, and secure-by-design reactor technologies to reduce global nuclear threats
Support Secure, Resilient Critical Infrastructure
Combining national-scale infrastructure data with device-level technical expertise to strengthen the resilience and reliability of systems we depend on every day.
Accelerate Delivery of Global Insights
Enabling faster, better-informed decisions during crises, disasters, and global conflicts.
Drive Innovation Throughout the Defense Manufacturing Supply Chain
Strengthening U.S. manufacturing competitiveness and defense readiness
Enhance Secure Computing and AI
Ensuring U.S. leadership in computing while defending against AI-enabled threats
National security today is inseparable from economic security, energy resilience, technological leadership, and global stability. For more than 80 years, ORNL has answered the nation’s call in moments of profound challenge. Today’s threats are complex and evolving—but our commitment remains constant.
