Hosted by Brown’s Division of Research, Brown's National Labs Day showcases research ties and opens doors for new partnerships. Lab experts highlight world-class facilities—from accelerators to X-rays—while students and faculty explore collaborations through internships, visiting programs, and joint appointments.
Division of Research
Brown's National Labs Day
Bringing together scientists, engineers, and technical experts from Brown and the Department of Energy's National Laboratories to strengthen existing partnerships and enable new collaborations.
Brown's National Labs Day
Bringing together scientists, engineers, and technical experts from Brown and the Department of Energy's National Laboratories to strengthen existing partnerships and enable new collaborations.
The Vision
Hosting National Laboratory Scientists at Brown
Brown’s National Labs Day debuted on April 19, 2024, fostering a high-level exchange between 100 Brown scholars and representatives from seven national laboratories. Through panel discussions and networking, the event explored vital intersections between Brown’s research capabilities and the specific workforce and innovation demands of labs such as Sandia, Los Alamos, and Brookhaven.
Collaborative Milestones
Advancing Global Science
Our ongoing partnerships with National Laboratory researchers drive progress across diverse scientific frontiers. Key breakthroughs include:
Fundamental Physics & Quantum Science
- Leading global projects focused on detecting dark matter.
- Detailing the complex behavior of entangled quantum states.
Sustainable Energy & Materials
- Developing next-generation solar cells and longer-lasting batteries.
- Advancing fuel-cell technology and high-performance, engineered fabrics.
Health & Life Sciences
- Mapping enzyme structures to spur new medical therapies.
- Analyzing neurological data to gain critical insights into brain trauma.
The National Lab Network
70 Years of Innovation
The 17 U.S. National Laboratories are the nation’s primary engine for "Big Science"—tackling challenges too large for any single institution. This network provides Brown researchers with access to world-class tools and multidisciplinary expertise across the country.
| Research Hubs | Primary Focus Areas | Key Locations |
|---|---|---|
| Discovery Science | Fundamental physics, materials, and computing. | Berkeley, Argonne, Oak Ridge, Brookhaven |
| National Security | Nuclear non-proliferation and global threat response. | Los Alamos, Lawrence Livermore, Sandia |
| Energy & Climate | Renewables, grid modernization, and nuclear energy. | NREL, Idaho, Pacific Northwest |
Partnering with the National Labs
Engage with federal research facilities
Pathways for Faculty and Students
- Visiting Programs: Short-term on-site residencies for deep technical exchange.
- Student Pathways: Internships and fellowships that serve as a career pipeline for undergraduate and graduate researchers.
- User Facility Access: Merit-based, no-cost access to "Big Science" tools like supercomputers and accelerators.
Get Started
- Identify: Match your research to a lab’s scientific priorities.
- Consult: Contact the Research Strategy and Development (RSD) team to identify potential national lab partners.
- Engage: Attend Brown's annual National Labs Day to network directly with visiting staff scientists.
From Connection to Collaboration
Brown's National Labs Day has evolved into a strategic alliance. In June 2025, Brown and Brookhaven National Laboratory signed an MOU to accelerate research in AI, quantum, and materials science. This partnership offers faculty joint appointments and students unique internship pathways.
“ The national labs are making significant investments in AI, quantum science, and materials science, which are all priorities for Brown. Brown has just appointed our first Associate Provost for AI and has built a substantial team working in quantum and materials science across engineering, chemistry, and physics. There is a natural alignment of goals between Brown and Brookhaven. ”
Attend Brown's National Labs Day 2026
Brown's second annual convening of elite scientists and engineers from across the federal lab system will be held on Thursday, May 14, 2026 at South Street Landing, 350 Eddy Street in Providence, RI. The 2026 theme is Artificial Intelligence. Open to Brown faculty, students and staff.