Jefferson Lab

10/07/2026

Born on this day in 1885: Niels Bohr.

His 1913 atomic model reshaped how we understand matter by proposing that electrons travel in quantized ""stationary state"" orbits around the nucleus. This structure explained why atoms don't simply collapse. He later showed that an element's chemical properties are largely determined by the number of electrons in its outermost orbit, laying groundwork for our modern understanding of the periodic table.

For these contributions to atomic structure and quantum theory, Bohr received the 1922 Nobel Prize in Physics. Today, his ideas remain foundational to nuclear and atomic physics.

10/06/2026

We’re proud to announce a new collaboration with Canary Instruments, a radiation detection and monitoring startup, to bring technology developed through our nuclear physics research to the emerging fusion energy market.

The patented underground sensor is designed to monitor groundwater near future fusion facilities for radioactive materials such as tritium. Through a Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA), we’re working with the company to refine the sensor, test its performance and develop prototypes.

We connected with Canary Instruments through the Boost Platform, a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) program led by Sandia National Labs and industry partner FedTech.

Discover more about our technology's journey to the market and how to partner with us: https://www.jlab.org/news/releases/physics-fusion-collab-brings-lab-developed-sensor-future-energy-markets

10/05/2026

Registration opens today for the 2027 Virginia Regional Science Bowl!

We’ll welcome Virginia middle and high school teams to Jefferson Lab for a competition that challenges students to work together and answer science and math questions under pressure.

Coaches can begin preregistration with their school and coach information, then add student rosters after approval.

Registration details: https://www.jlab.org/stem/sciencebowl

10/02/2026

Attention Hampton Roads: We will be conducting our monthly tornado siren test at 10:30 a.m. today. Residents within 1.5 miles of the laboratory may hear the siren. This is only a test. No need to take cover if you hear it.

09/30/2026

We’re hiring a Facilities Mechanical Engineer II to support the systems that keep Jefferson Lab’s accelerator and experiments running.

In this on-site role, you’ll design and improve mechanical systems, troubleshoot problems with other engineers and help oversee construction and maintenance projects.

Learn more about this and other opportunities at Jefferson Lab: jobs.jlab.org

09/29/2026

Join us as we partner with NASA Langley Research Center at the Virginia Peninsula Chamber’s State of the Federal Labs event on Nov. 5.

Hear how research at our labs contributes to science, technology and the Hampton Roads community.

Visit https://business.virginiapeninsulachamber.com/events/details/2026-state-of-the-federal-labs-12059?fbclid=IwY2xjawUnVzBleHRuA2FlbQIxMABwZG9mAWJyaWQRMUJzMzdZNjdIRmRmZG5HS01zcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe5Jy5JdNfK5R9iVYYM5TZVbqZxSWWysbwXFa8OXX5Xj4RsZnoDJGR-4JtgKk_aem_1QQPzSflRLlN-2peh_gvhA to register.

The Virginia Peninsula Chamber invites you to the State of the Federal Labs on November 5th. Hear from leaders at NASA Langley Research Center and Jefferson Lab about the latest in federal research, science, technology, and innovation.

Local businesses, entrepreneurs, and community leaders will have the opportunity to learn more about the economic and scientific impact of these world-class facilities.

This event will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Holiday Inn Newport News–Hampton.

Visit https://bit.ly/2026-1105-VPC-StateoftheFederalLabs to register today!

09/24/2026

A piece of litter on our campus can end up in a storm drain and, eventually, in waterways that flow to the Chesapeake Bay.

During our 2026 campus cleanup, volunteers from across Jefferson Lab picked up trash before rain could carry it away. For Storm Water Awareness Week, take a look at the people who helped keep our campus and local waterways clean. https://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffersonlab/albums/72177720307670192/

09/23/2026

We’re hiring a Storage Architect to lead the design of the large-scale, distributed storage system behind the High-Performance Data Facility.

This greenfield role will help build the data infrastructure researchers need to manage, move and analyze scientific data across Jefferson Lab and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Learn more about this and other opportunities at Jefferson Lab: careers.jlab.org

09/21/2026

Jefferson Lab Director Jens Dilling will kick off the Secure Energy Future Center's new TECH Talks series at Tech Center Research Park on Sept. 24, sharing his perspective on leadership, discovery and what's next for the lab.

The Secure Energy Future Center is a new regional hub in Newport News bringing together university research, industry and government partners to advance energy technologies from research to real-world use, through education, demonstration, commercialization and workforce training.

TECH Talks give the community a front-row seat to learn something new, meet people across the region, ask questions, and be part of this important conversation. Reserve your seat here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=hGiVYK0Q-kCGPU8yweOjenQWhv966f1EmcZi_miHHtJUMFA0QUpJRDFJUE5aNk9KVE9LUUJGSVU1Vy4u&route=shorturl%5D

09/18/2026

Calling all 5th, 6th and 8th grade physical science teachers!

Applications are open for our 2026-27 Jefferson Lab Science Activities for Teachers program.

This free program brings local teachers together in a hybrid format throughout the school year for hands-on science, new classroom resources, recertification points and fresh ideas to take back to their students.

Applications are due Sept. 25. https://www.jlab.org/stem/jsat