Aerial view of SSRL (Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource) with SLAC’s campus in the background. (Olivier Bonin/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory)
Aerial view of SLAC’s  campus with the LINAC in the foreground leading into the campus. The interstate 280 passes over the LINAC. Stanford campus and Hoover tower can be seen in the distance. (Olivier Bonin/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory)
SLAC’s campus at sunset looking southeast. The Stanford Dish and Interstate 280 in the distance. (Olivier Bonin/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory)

Bold People
Visionary Science
Real Impact

We explore how the universe works at the biggest, smallest and fastest scales and invent powerful tools used by scientists around the globe. Our research helps solve real-world problems and advances the interests of the nation.

Our story Our people

Visionary Science

Explore our frontier research

X-ray & ultrafast science

Revealing nature’s fastest processes with X-rays, lasers and electrons

Physics of the universe

Studying the particles and forces that knit the cosmos together
 

Advanced accelerators

Building smaller, faster, more powerful accelerators for all
 

Science of life

Understanding the machinery of life at its most basic level
 

New technologies

Inventing new tools for science and society
 

Energy sciences

Finding clean, sustainable solutions for the world’s energy challenges

WHERE RESEARCH HAPPENS

Facilities & centers

At our large-scale facilities and specialized centers, scientists take advantage of powerful tools and unique expertise and collaborate with each other across a wide range of disciplines. Working together is what makes science tick.

Scientific facilities Joint institutes & centers

MEET OUR TEAMS

SLAC people

To achieve our ambitious goals and keep SLAC a great place to work, the lab needs a creative, diverse and united workforce – people with a wide variety of experiences, ideas, skills and backgrounds.

LATEST UPDATES

SLAC news center

News Feature

For nearly 50 years, Hodgson has illuminated the synchrotron radiation community through his pioneering research, innovations, leadership, advocacy and mentorship at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource.

Photo of a group of men
News Brief

The observatory's practice camera has captured its first on-sky data.

A telescope pointed through open doors in its building's roof.
News Feature

Descamps was recognized for turning the world’s most powerful X-ray laser into a sophisticated tool for probing extremely hot, dense matter.

Adrien Descamps presents his research.
News Feature
VIA Symmetry Magazine

From sea to scientific sea

Take a tour of the 17 national laboratories across the United States.

Take a tour of the 17 national laboratories across the United States
News Brief

The observatory's practice camera has captured its first on-sky data.

A telescope pointed through open doors in its building's roof.
News Feature

Descamps was recognized for turning the world’s most powerful X-ray laser into a sophisticated tool for probing extremely hot, dense matter.

Adrien Descamps presents his research.
News Feature
VIA Symmetry Magazine

From sea to scientific sea

Take a tour of the 17 national laboratories across the United States.

Take a tour of the 17 national laboratories across the United States
News Feature

SLAC hosted two faculty members from institutions historically underrepresented in the research community via the Visiting Faculty Program.

Fred Lacy and Kolo Wamba stand in front experimental equipment.
News Feature

Michael Riordan has spent decades ruminating on the history of physics, including events he participated in himself.

Michael Riordan
News Brief

Scientists worldwide who conduct research at SLAC’s light sources shine light on latest discoveries and innovations in talks, workshops and discussions.

Group photo of the users' meeting attendees
SLAC EVENTS

What’s happening

SLAC hosts a range of exciting events to raise awareness, inform, educate and connect with sitewide staff, the Stanford and local communities and the general public.

Event attendees listen to a science lecture

SLAC is a vibrant community of diverse perspectives and expertise, all working together to solve some of the most pressing challenges of our times."

John Sarrao Lab Director Headshot of John Sarrao
About SLAC video still frame
Video
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is a Department of Energy national lab run by Stanford in the heart of Silicon Valley. We invent scientific tools to explore the universe at its biggest, its smallest and its fastest. (Olivier Bonin/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory)
DIG DEEPER

Explore SLAC

PUBLIC TOURS

Take a tour of SLAC

SLAC Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) accelerator tunnel.
MEDIA RESOURCES

Images, videos & more

Ghost imaging illustration