Maxwell Bernstein

Physicists are exploring the development of a muon collider — an advanced particle accelerator that could reveal new insights into the nature of our universe. Though great challenges exist in studying fast-decaying muons, technological advancements in accelerators, magnets and detectors could make building the collider a reality. Recent workshops hosted by Fermilab brought together researchers from around the globe to address some of these challenges.

Fermilab earned national recognition for its sustainability efforts, receiving three prestigious awards from the U.S. Department of Energy. The laboratory’s new Integrated Engineering Research Center was celebrated for its environmentally friendly design. The successful transition of 32% of Fermilab’s fleet to zero emission vehicles was also recognized.

Particle accelerator beams can create significant damage to the targets used to generate particles for experiments. Researchers are designing targets to withstand material degradation from radiation damage, shock from thermal expansion and material fatigue — all caused by accelerated protons.

Fermilab received visitors from the São Paulo Research Foundation, including the foundation’s executive director, Carlos Américo Pacheco. The group came to hear from researchers and engineers about how Fermilab brings technologies together from across disciplines to make advances in particle physics, quantum computing and more.

Fermilab’s 2024 Inventor Recognition Ceremony celebrated patents and ideas from Fermilab employees with notable guests. In 2023, 12 new patents were issued with 16 inventors associated with those patents working at Fermilab.

Scientists at Fermilab have received funding from the DOE Office of Technology Transitions and the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management to develop devices that generate particles to be accelerated in compact accelerators. The final result could be a machine for metal 3D printing and other applications.

A delegation of researchers from a dozen organizations in the U.K. met with Fermilab scientists. They saw firsthand Fermilab’s connection to the Illinois-Express Quantum Network.

The director general and other guests from Spain’s Centre for Energy, Environmental and Technological Research visited Fermilab. Their visit focused on their collaboration on the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment and gave the CIEMAT delegation an opportunity to learn about Fermilab’s other research capabilities.

Firefighters from across the region came to Fermilab this fall to train how to battle wildland fires. The training also had a positive impact on the lab’s ecology.

The U.S. Department of Energy recognizes Fermilab employee and key partner for improving sustainability at Fermilab.