Message from Argonne Director Eric Isaacs

Dear friends,

In all of American history, the need for our country to develop and embrace the use of new sources of energy has never been as great as it is today.  The multiple challenges our country faces – from ensuring our national security to fending off the threat of additional climate change to shoring up a flagging economy – could all be addressed by finding a suite of new, cost-effective and green energy sources.

This issue of Argonne Now showcases the work that Argonne's scientists and engineers are doing to create a vibrant energy future for our country.  Because there is likely no "silver bullet" that will adequately satisfy all of our energy needs, Argonne's world-class researchers are investigating many different sources of energy – including nuclear, solar and biofuels – as well as ways to store, use and transmit energy more safely, cleanly and efficiently. 

As I begin my tenure as Argonne's newest director, I want to reaffirm the laboratory's commitment to creating the groundbreaking technologies and innovations that will secure our country's energy future.  This commitment requires reciprocity: in order for us to achieve a sustainable energy future, America must continue to invest in both the basic and applied scientific work that has already produced so many valuable discoveries and technologies.

I would like to take this opportunity to again thank the Department of Energy and all of our many sponsors for providing the means and resources that allow us to carry out this vital research.

Thank you,

Eric Isaacs
Director, Argonne National Laboratory