"Artificial" Brains, Electrical Grids, and Disease Modeling: Los Alamos Science Discoveries Unveiled September 15

Los Alamos, New Mexico, September 8, 2009— Los Alamos National Laboratory scientists will share their discoveries with the public and their peers at the Laboratory’s first LDRD (Laboratory-Directed Research and Development) Day September 15. More than 40 researchers who participated in a spirited Labwide competition to earn funding through the National Nuclear Security Administration LDRD Program will present posters and answer questions about their exciting new research. Highlights include cutting-edge research on “artificial” brains, electrical grids, disease modeling, and wind turbines.

The event, entitled “A Look Into the Future of Los Alamos,” is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hilton Hotel at Buffalo Thunder Resort in Santa Fe.

The Lab’s principal associate director for Science, Technology, and Engineering, Terry Wallace, will kick off the day with opening remarks at 9 a.m., followed by a welcome from LDRD Program manager William Priedhorsky. In addition, Science, Technology, and Engineering Deputy Principal Associate Director Duncan McBranch will discuss LDRD impacts on border security and the nation’s energy grid at 1 p.m.

The event is an ideal opportunity for business leaders and community members to learn about where science is heading, as well as for students to discover potential new career directions, Priedhorsky said. “LDRD Day is a rare opportunity to get a glimpse into the future of Los Alamos,” he said. “Some of the Laboratory's most exciting and innovative research is funded through the LDRD Program, and this event will be an open door for our community and invited guests to see first-hand how their tax dollars are being invested for the benefit of our nation.”  

Participants can also learn about the LDRD Program, which has provided support for research projects in areas ranging from bioscience, energy security, and large-scale infrastructure modeling to actinide science and nuclear nonproliferation. “The LDRD Program is the Laboratory’s most important investment in science and technology for the nation,” Priedhorsky said. “It is the role of the national labs to advance the foundations of tomorrow’s security and economy. Through our robust LDRD Program, Los Alamos is anticipating and responding to national security challenges. From energy security to bioterrorism, LDRD supports the best and brightest researchers to tackle our nation's greatest challenges.”

NOTE TO MEDIA: Please register online for LDRD Day at http://www.lanl.gov/science/ldrd/register.shtml. For more information, contact Susan Whittington at 505-667-1235 or at ldrd@lanl.gov.

About Los Alamos National Laboratory (www.lanl.gov)

Los Alamos National Laboratory, a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security, is operated by Los Alamos National Security, LLC, a team composed of Bechtel National, the University of California, The Babcock & Wilcox Company, and the Washington Division of URS for the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration.

Los Alamos enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns.