Like the majority of U.S. Department of Energy Laboratories, the Ames Laboratory began as part of the World War II Manhattan Project.  The Laboratory developed an entirely new technology for the conversion of uranium ore to high-purity uranium metal and then used that technology to produce more than 2 million pounds by the end of the war.  After the war, the Ames Laboratory specialized in rare metals and methods of achieving chemical transformation without the production of toxic waste.  The Laboratory has also expanded its scope beyond materials research, including research in photosynthesis, hazardous waste analysis, computer programming, quasicrystals, and nontraditional materials.  Partnering with Iowa State University, the Laboratory and university share facilities, functions, graduate students, and faculty/principle investigators.

The mission statement says, “The Ames Laboratory effectively focuses diverse fundamental and applied research strengths upon issues of national concern, cultivates tomorrow’s research talent, and develops and transfers technologies to improve industrial competitiveness and enhance U.S. economic security.  At the forefront of current materials research, high-performance computing, and environmental science and management efforts, the Laboratory seeks solutions to energy-related problems through the exploration of phyics, chemistry, engineering, applied mathematics and materials sciences.  All operations are conducted so as to maintain the health and safety of all workers, and with a genuine concern for the environment.” (1998)

Current research programs: Applied Mathematics and Computational Sciences; Biorenewable Resources (formerly the Fossil Energy Section); Condensed Matter Physics; Environmental & Protection Sciences (formerly Environmental Technology Development); Materials Chemistry; Metallurgy & Ceramics; Molecular Processes; Nondestructive Evaluation; and Physical and Biological Chemistry.

 

17/1	DIRECTOR'S OFFICE
	Includes education, outreach efforts, and public affairs and information

Directors:
Frank H. Spedding	1947-1968
Robert S. Hansen	1968-1988
Thomas J. Barton	1988-1994
Jim Corones	1994-1995   Interim
Thomas J. Barton	1995-

               

17/2	TECHNICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES DIVISION
	(Formerly Administrative Services and 17/5: Planning and Technology Application)
17/3	OPERATIONS
17/4	SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY DIVISION
17/5	PLANNING AND TECHNOLOGY APPLICATION
	(See 17/2)
17/6	RESEARCH PROGRAMS