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Argonne National Laboratory

Argonne in the Community

Making an impact in Chicagoland, across Illinois, and throughout the Midwest

Argonne doesn’t only benefit the global scientific community. We are also a good neighbor that works to make a positive impact on our local, state, and regional communities. Community engagement is a longstanding and critical component of Argonne’s mission.

Argonne works to:

  • Extend benefits from Argonne’s capabilities and resources to more communities, including minority and underserved communities
  • Advance science and technology through collaborations
  • Accelerate the transfer of technologies invented at Argonne to industry and other partners for U.S. economic prosperity
  • Build the workforce of the future to maintain U.S. competitiveness

One of the top scientific destinations in the world, Argonne occupies 1,500 wooded acres 25 miles southwest of Chicago in DuPage County, IL.

Argonne leads by example as it works to meet its sustainability goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and electricity and water use.

In addition to the thousands of people who Argonne employs, local startup companies have grown directly out of our research and expertise. We also offer a wide range of educational programs and activities. Each year, thousands of students participate in Argonne’s education and outreach events designed to inspire and motivate our future generation of scientists and engineers. Argonne also offers the OutLoud public lecture series, tours, a speaker’s bureau, and more.

Giving back to our neighbors

Argonne employees support surrounding communities in many ways. Over the years, our employees have donated millions of dollars to local charities, hosted food drives, coat drives, blood drives and toy drives, as well supported several relief funds. Argonne employees volunteer their time and talents to assist in public forums and neighborhood events; they serve as members and officers of local service clubs, school boards, village councils, and many other community organizations.

Many Argonne researchers also serve as mentors in their communities, encouraging students to expand their knowledge by visiting classrooms, attending career and science fairs or hosting special programs at the laboratory.

Environmental sustainability and stewardship

At Argonne, we are creating a smart campus that is a living example of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability and stewardship. Argonne is committed to awareness and involvement for the Lab and the local community by developing programs to inspire and adopt sustainable behavior. We proactively champion practices that conserve energy, divert waste, conserve water, reduce fuel consumption and reduce pollution. And since 1972, Argonne’s has monitored the environment of its Illinois site and each year issued public reports on its findings. The latest reports are available here, including a summary report.

Office of Community Engagement

The Office of Community Engagement spearheads Argonne’s efforts with local, state, and regional communities.

Stay connected

Social media is a great way to stay in touch with what’s going on at Argonne and to interact with us. Ask questions, give us your opinion and become a part of our ever-expanding community of thinkers and explorers.