What happens inside a hot cell? Behind thick concrete walls and leaded glass windows, ORNL scientists safely handle some of the world's most valuable radioactive materials using remote manipulators. These hot cells are where critical isotopes are processed for medicine, scientific research, industry and national security, making work possible that couldn't safely be done by hand. As the lab celebrates the 80th anniversary of ORNL's first reactor-produced radioisotope shipment on Aug. 2, 1946, we're reminded that while our facilities have evolved, our mission remains the same: advancing isotope science to improve lives and strengthen American innovation.
Isotopes at ORNL
Research Services
Oak Ridge, Tennessee (TN) 4,690 followers
Historic beginnings, continuing innovation.
About us
ORNL's Isotope Science and Enrichment Directorate produces isotopes for science, medicine, and space exploration, and leads enrichment technology advancements.
- Website
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https://www.ornl.gov/directorate/isotopes
External link for Isotopes at ORNL
- Industry
- Research Services
- Company size
- 5,001-10,000 employees
- Headquarters
- Oak Ridge, Tennessee (TN)
- Founded
- 1943
- Specialties
- Isotopes, Engineering, Manufacturing, Centrifuge, Nuclear Physics, Chemistry, Radioisotopes, Nuclear Medicine, Enrichment Science, Mechanical Engineering, Hot Cell, Stable Isotopes, Super Heavy Elements, Deep Space, Nuclear Batteries, Clean Energy, and Target Irradiation
Updates
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The celebration of Oak Ridge National Laboratory first medical isotope shipment, 80 years ago on August 2, happened today! From remarks on the importance of #isotopes from Lab Director Stephen Streiffer and Assistant Lab Director Jeremy Busby to the unveiling of a special edition Tennessine playing card designed by our intern, Addison Malone, the significance of our history is what directs the efforts of our future in isotope science. Here's to another 80 years!
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Eighty years after ORNL's first radioisotope shipment, the lab's expertise is helping power missions that explore the farthest reaches of space. Plutonium-238 fuels radioisotope power systems that generate electricity where sunlight isn't enough, enabling NASA spacecraft to explore Mars and beyond. From improving lives here on Earth to expanding humanity's reach into space, ORNL's isotope legacy continues to grow. 80 Years. Infinite Possibilities.
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Isotopes at ORNL reposted this
ORNL is increasing production of californium-252, a critical isotope used to start nuclear reactors and support applications across industry, medicine, and national security. As the only producer in the Western Hemisphere, ORNL plays an essential role in strengthening a reliable domestic isotope supply. Learn how ORNL is meeting the growing demand for the world's rarest isotope. 👇
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A tiny package left Oak Ridge in 1946 and it changed the world. But how? On August 2, ORNL celebrated the 80th anniversary of the first radioisotope shipment, carbon-14 that went to a St. Louis hospital. That shipment marked the moment nuclear science shifted from wartime research to peaceful applications. From that day in 1946, ORNL sent out more than 1,000 shipments of isotopes in that first year.
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Eighty years ago today, history changed in Oak Ridge and the world. On August 2, 1946, ORNL shipped the world's first reactor-produced radioisotope, carbon-14, to Barnard Free Skin and Cancer Hospital in St. Louis. It marked the moment nuclear technology began improving lives through medicine, research and discovery. Today, ORNL remains the nation's leader in isotope production, helping power breakthroughs in cancer treatment, clean energy, national security and scientific research. Here's to 80 years of impact and the discoveries still ahead! Discover the history here --> https://bit.ly/4oCK9pr
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Isotopes at ORNL reposted this
It was a pleasure to be part of this visit and to showcase the incredible capabilities and people that make ORNL special. Discussing how isotope science, neutron research, and advanced nuclear technologies can support NASA missions was a great reminder of what strong partnerships can accomplish. I look forward to seeing ORNL continue to contribute to Dragonfly and future exploration missions.
It was a pleasure to welcome NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration Administrator Jared Isaacman, Associate Administrator Nicky Fox and their colleagues to ORNL this week. Our discussions focused on how the laboratory’s isotope production, neutron science and advanced research capabilities can support NASA missions, including Dragonfly. The visit included tours of the High Flux Isotope Reactor and the Radiochemical Engineering Development Center, where ORNL teams are advancing capabilities with significance for space exploration and the national mission. We were also glad to have Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Mike Goff from the Office of Nuclear Energy | U.S. Department of Energy and Trey Wheeler of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)’s ORNL Site Office join the visit. Thank you to our NASA, Department of Energy and ORNL colleagues for a productive exchange. I look forward to building on this partnership.
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Isotopes at ORNL reposted this
Meet Zachary Gardiner, a summer intern from University of South Carolina - Columbia. He’s spent a lot of time this summer thinking about…salt. More specifically, molten salt, a material that could help power the next generation of nuclear reactors. #NationalInternDay Workforce Development for Teachers & Scientists
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Some of today's most promising cancer therapies begin with enriched #stableisotopes. Ytterbium-176 is used as the starting material for producing lutetium-177 (Lu-177), a therapeutic #radioisotope used to treat prostate cancer and neuroendocrine tumors. As demand for targeted radiopharmaceuticals continues to grow, access to enriched isotopes becomes increasingly important. Oak Ridge National Laboratory's enrichment capabilities help provide the materials needed to support a reliable domestic supply chain for advanced cancer treatments.