The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory has a science and technology research hub in Chicago’s Hyde Park community, securing a strong urban presence for Argonne.

Argonne in Chicago enables the Lab to increase engagement with established and emerging businesses, academia, and the City of Chicago to solve some of the world’s most complex problems through increased scientific collaboration across the region. Opened with DOE support in partnership with the University of Chicago, the location acts as an innovation center, fostering collaboration with the Chicago Quantum Exchange and representatives from Fermilab and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. These institutions are co-located at the site.

Argonne will leverage the new location to expand research in artificial intelligence, polymer design, water science, and energy storage and to advance commercialization and technology transfer, STEM education, and workforce development.

“We have an ambitious vision for Argonne’s Chicago location,” said Argonne Director Paul Kearns. ​“With a presence in the city, we will expand our impact on the future of science and technology, ignite innovation with our business partners, and develop a stronger pipeline of STEM talent through our programming in the region.”

Early last year, prior to coronavirus pandemic, Argonne held several educational and workforce development programs at its Chicago site, including student-focused workshops hosting as many as 150 high school students, as well as hackathons that promote the researchers’ collaboration around solving science problems. Argonne’s Science and Technology Partnerships and Outreach directorate plans to hold science and technology workshops for area entrepreneurs to engage directly with Argonne’s scientists on specific areas of research and innovation. Argonne’s energy storage program leaders are preparing to hold scientific and workforce development events aligned with the DOE’s Energy Storage Grand Challenge.

The coronavirus pandemic has caused in-person activities at the Chicago site to be suspended. However, plans are underway to re-open as soon it is deemed safe to do so.

By collaborating and contributing to Chicago’s innovation ecosystem, Argonne will expand research and development efforts, increase engagement and partnerships with business and local communities, and support the development of a robust, diverse and highly skilled talent pool to meet the nation’s future workforce needs.