Patrick Chain of Los Alamos National Laboratory is a recipient of the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) prestigious E.O. Lawrence award for 2026. Chain is honored for “pioneering work in genomics and microbiome science, including discoveries of new bacterial-fungal interactions and revolutionizing the field by democratizing access to advanced bioinformatics tools,” according to the DOE announcement.
“Patrick’s work in genomics and bioinformatics has deepened our understanding of how microorganisms interact with the world around us," said Laboratory Deputy Director Patrick Fitch. “His research helps build the scientific foundation we need to anticipate and respond to emerging threats to health, energy, and economic security.
“Patrick has an extraordinarily strong reputation in the broader genomics community. We are very proud of Patrick’s achievements being recognized through one of the Department of Energy's highest honors. It is very well deserved." said Laboratory Director Thom Mason.
The Lawrence Award was established in 1959 to honor the memory of Ernest Orlando Lawrence, inventor of the cyclotron – a subatomic particle accelerator – and recipient of the 1939 Nobel for Physics. Lawrence also had a leading role in establishing the U.S. National Laboratory system, and has two National Laboratories named for him.
The award is given by the U.S. Secretary of Energy, recognizing mid-career U.S. scientists and engineers for exceptional scientific, technical, and engineering achievements related to the broad missions of the DOE. The award is among the most prestigious science and technology awards from the U.S. Government.
“It is a tremendous honor to join such a talented pool of Lawrence winners,” said Chain. “I also feel so lucky to have worked with the past and current members of my team, who have made this possible.”
The Award will be officially handed out to Chain and nine other recipients during an award ceremony in Washington, DC on November 13, 2026.
LA-UR-26-29278
