SLAC’s campus looking south with Interstate 280 in the distance. (Olivier Bonin/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory)

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The 3,200-megapixel LSST Camera is being tested inside the clean room at SLAC. The camera is the central component of the NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory. (Olivier Bonin/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory)

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Sunrise timelapse of SSRL (Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource) (Olivier Bonin/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory)

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Aerial view of SLAC’s  campus. Stanford campus and Hoover tower can be seen in the distance. (Olivier Bonin/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory)

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SLAC’s research yard in the foreground, with the LINAC stretching 2 miles to the west, and SLAC’s campus on the right. (Olivier Bonin/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory)

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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.

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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.

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MEET OUR TEAMS

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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 Brief

Cryogenic electron microscopy showed for the first time that large RNA complexes can assemble without the help of proteins, expanding our understanding of RNA folding and function.

Three complex, rainbow-colored molecules of various shapes.
News Feature

In this Q&A, Arianna Gleason discusses the technologies needed to make commercialized fusion energy a reality and how SLAC is advancing this energy frontier. 

Headshot of Arianna Gleason with graphic representation of a laser shot
News Brief

Wechsler is one of seven Stanford researchers to join the scholarly society, which works to promote science for public good.

Risa Wechsler
News Feature

Developed at SSRL, the method could help make those electrochemical conversions more robust and efficient.

A yellow beam strikes a semicircle resting atop a square wave figure.
News Feature

In this Q&A, Arianna Gleason discusses the technologies needed to make commercialized fusion energy a reality and how SLAC is advancing this energy frontier. 

Headshot of Arianna Gleason with graphic representation of a laser shot
News Brief

Wechsler is one of seven Stanford researchers to join the scholarly society, which works to promote science for public good.

Risa Wechsler
News Feature

Developed at SSRL, the method could help make those electrochemical conversions more robust and efficient.

A yellow beam strikes a semicircle resting atop a square wave figure.
News Feature

Advanced imaging technique reveals catalyst degradation processes, addressing a key barrier to converting carbon dioxide into liquid fuel.

Walter Drisdell and Aidan Coffey of Berkeley Lab’s Chemical Sciences Division at Berkeley Lab’s LiSA research facility adjusting a pump that flows liquid through the electrochemical cell
News Brief

The new findings highlight the need for ongoing monitoring of H5N1’s evolution in nature. 

Chickens in a grassy field
News Brief

The theorist is one of seven Stanford faculty members elected by the Academy this year, recognizing their exceptional contributions in their fields and professions.

Lance Dixon pointing at mathematical formula on a chalkboard
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."

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