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Who we are

We explore radically new ideas with an entrepreneurial mindset.
- Research
  Get an overview of research at SLAC: X-ray and ultrafast science, particle and astrophysics, cosmology, particle accelerators, biology, energy and technology.
- 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
Spotlight

SLAC science explained

Cut through the jargon while exploring our research.
- Facilities & Centers
  Learn more about the places where science happens at SLAC: our major facilities, institutes and centers.
- SCIENTIFIC FACILITIES
  - LCLS website
    Linac Coherent Light Source
  - SSRL website
    Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource
  - FACET-II website
    Facility for Advanced Accelerator Experimental Tests
  - CryoEM website
    Cryogenic Electron Microscopy
- JOINT INSTITUTES & CENTERS
  - SIMES website
    Stanford Institute for Materials & Energy Science
  - KIPAC website
    Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics & Cosmology
  - PULSE website
    Stanford PULSE Institute
  - SUNCAT website
    Center for Interface Science & Catalysis
  - SLAC-Stanford Battery Center
NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory LSST

SLAC & Stanford build the world’s largest digital camera for the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST).
- Work with Us
  Find a career, partner with us or apply to use our tools and facilities.
- PARTNER WITH US
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Careers at SLAC

Join our united workforce.
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  Get the latest news about the lab, our science and discoveries. Explore SLAC events and learn how to participate.
- NEWS CENTER
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- SYMMETRY MAGAZINE
  This joint publication of SLAC and Fermilab is your view into the world of particle physics.
- EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS
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Upcoming public lecture

Reinventing the way we break down plastic waste

Thursday, March 26, 2026
7:00–8:00 p.m. PDT

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X-ray science

X-ray studies at SLAC facilities help scientists understand the fundamental workings of nature by probing matter in atomic detail.

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Past Event

Public Lectures

How Plants Do it: Light, Oxygen, Action!

Plants have been doing it with ease for millions of years, and yet science has yet to fully comprehend how: Photosynthesis. It's a fundamental...

Tuesday, August 26, 2008
12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. PT

Panofsky Auditorium

Past Event · Public Lectures

How Plants Do it: Light, Oxygen, Action!

Plants have been doing it with ease for millions of years, and yet science has yet to fully comprehend how: Photosynthesis. It's a fundamental process of all plant life on Earth, using the simple and abundant ingredients of water and...

Tuesday, August 26, 2008 · 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. PT

Panofsky Auditorium