Fermilab features

Anna Grassellino, a senior scientist and the director of the Superconducting Quantum Materials and Systems Center at Fermilab, was honored with the Knight of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic for her pioneering contributions to superconducting quantum technologies. Known for her groundbreaking work on superconducting radiofrequency cavities, Grassellino has helped to revolutionize and lead advancements in particle accelerators and quantum information science.

High-power electron beam accelerators could be the answer to the nation’s need for powerful and safe alternatives to radioactive power sources. Funding from the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Office of Radiological Security aims to support a team of engineers, scientists and business specialists in forging a path to help industry adopt these mighty accelerators.

A key milestone in the U.S.-funded upgrade to the CMS experiment was achieved with the successful delivery of a 5-meter-long carbon support tube to CERN. Designed and built at Purdue University, the tube will house new inner particle detectors for CMS, which is being prepared for the high-luminosity upgrade of the Large Hadron Collider. The CMS collaboration is composed of scientists from roughly 240 institutions spread across more than 50 countries.

Fermilab is advancing U.S. semiconductor capabilities through leading-edge research in energy-efficient and extreme-environment chips. This important work is driving breakthroughs for high-energy physics and future technologies.

In 2024, Fermilab made significant scientific progress, including advancing preparations for the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment and conducting groundbreaking quantum research. The laboratory also continued its strong international collaborations — including involvement with the CMS experiment at CERN — and made strides in developing emerging technologies with wide applications beyond physics.

The PIP-II accelerator upgrade project at Fermilab officially completed its subproject dedicated to the early stages of facilities construction.

The five quantum centers have reached significant accomplishments, summarized in a new joint website, nqisrc.org.

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.

Celebrate International Dark Matter Day by joining a live Q&A session through YouTube with physicists from Fermilab at 11 a.m. Central Time on Wednesday, Oct. 30. Additionally, a dark matter-themed trivia event will be held in Batavia, Illinois on Oct. 28.