Basic to breakthrough: how exploring the building blocks of the universe sets the foundation for innovation

From the DOE Office of Science, June 28, 2021: Particle physics research scientists supported by the U.S. Department of Energy tackle the fundamental mysteries at universities and national labs across the country. They build state-of-the-art experiments that yield incredible discoveries and achievements including Fermilab’s Muon g-2 result, the Higgs Boson discovery, the ProtoDune demonstration and the launch of the National Quantum Initiative.

A large box-like structure sits on a round platform. Behind it, a banner that says "DUNE." To the right, a man with short hair wears glasses, a face mask, blue surgical gloves, a blue shirt and brown pants.

DUNE prototype detector ArgonCube crosses the globe

Fermilab feature

The first module of the prototype pixel-based neutrino catcher developed for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment is on its way to Fermilab from the University of Bern.

Project Profile: Fermilab, Integrated Engineering Research Center

From Lab Manager, June 29, 2021: The new Fermilab Integrated Engineering Research Center (IERC) is the first cross-divisional facility on Fermilab’s campus spanning over 79,208 gross sq. ft. The IERC will serve as an integrator for various research efforts and is expected to be complete June 2022.

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What is a photon?

photons

Symmetry feature

Quanta of light called photons are the smallest possible packets of electromagnetic energy. Learn the history behind how scientists came to understand photons — and what these particles have shown us (and might show us) they can do.

DOE invests $93 Million for new discoveries in high-energy physics

From Department of Energy, June 28, 2021: DOE announces $93 million in funding for 71 research projects that will spur new discoveries in high-energy physics. The projects—housed at 50 colleges and universities across 29 states—are exploring the basics of energy science that underlie technological advancements in medicine, computing, energy technologies, manufacturing, national security and more.

Why you should care about federally funded science

From Forbes, June 28,2021: Fermilab’s Don Lincoln highlights top applied research that has been funded by the federal government and the National Science Foundation.

Giant comet found in outer solar system by Dark Energy Survey

From NOIR Lab, June 25, 2021: The DECam designed, built and tested by Fermilab and funded by DOE, collected the data that lead to the discovery of a giant comet discovered by two astronomers from the University of Pennsylvania.

Quantum physics puts Chicago on the map

From Chicago Star Media, May 28, 2021: Fermilab’s Anna Grasselino talks with Chicago Star Media about the solutions quantum computers will bring to weather forecasting, traffic studies, financial modeling, and more.

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Classical composer David Biedenbender named Fermilab’s 2021 guest composer

Fermilab feature

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory has selected David Biedenbender as its 2021-22 guest composer. The program, now in its second year, provides a composer the opportunity to interpret Fermilab research through music and celebrate the relationship between art and science. Biedenbender has a history of creating music inspired by physics.

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Visual artist Mare Hirsch named 2021 Fermilab artist-in-residence

Fermilab feature

Fermilab has selected California-based visual artist Mare Hirsch as its 2021-22 artist-in-residence. The program, now in its seventh year, connects physics and art. Hirsch, who uses computer models and coding for her art, will draw on her data visualization background to make Fermilab science more accessible and intriguing to the public.