A National Treasure

in America's Heartland

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torch.gif (9587 bytes) HELPING BUSINESS

Partners with companies such as Maytag, General Motors, Ford, DuPont and American Superconductor Corp.

johnmc.gif (9061 bytes) NEW BUSINESS STARTUP

Contributed to the startup of 12 new companies, including Carbon Energy Technology Inc., Advanced Analytical Technologies Inc., MTEC Photoacoustics and Edge Technologies

edprog.gif (9988 bytes) EDUCATION PROGRAMS

Encourages student interest in math and science through programs such as Science Bowl, Summer Student Trainees and laboratory visits

AMES LABORATORY FACTS

HISTORY: Ames Laboratory was officially founded in 1947 following work to produce purified uranium for the Manhattan Project. The Lab is celebrating over 50 years of successful partnership between a federal agency and a state-run university.

CONTRACT: Government-owned, contractor-operated research laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy. Ames Laboratory’s contract is operated for the DOE by Iowa State University.

BACKGROUND:

· Estimated FY03 budget of $29 million

· Over 450 full- and part-time employees, including 250 scientists and engineers. Over 200 non-paid associates in departments throughout ISU.

· Graduate students make up approximately 20 percent of work force

· Annual payroll of approximately $15 million

· Supplies approximately 17 percent of federal funding received by ISU

MISSION:

Conduct basic and applied research in the chemical, materials, mathematical, engineering and environmental sciences, and physics in support of the Department of Energy’s mission and vision

Transfer technologies to improve industrial competitiveness
Educate the next generation of scientist and engineers

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Advanced materials synthesis, characterization and processing
Chemical and analytical sciences
Computational and theoretical sciences

RECENT SCIENTIFIC ACHIEVEMENTS:

Material for magnetic refrigeration that improves refrigerator efficiency by an estimated 40 percent in large-scale refrigeration units and air conditioners.
Lead-free solder that is stronger, easier to use, stands up better in high-heat conditions and is environmentally safe. Three licensing agreements have been signed on lead-free solder.
Biosensor technology that helps determine an individual’s risk of getting cancer from chemical pollutants.
Capillary electrophoresis unit that can analyze multiple chemical samples simultaneously, which has applications in the pharmaceutical, genetics, medical and forensics fields. Technology has been the basis for a spin-off business.
Photonic band-gap crystals that led to the development of the rapidly expanding field of photonic crystals, which are expected to have revolutionary applications in optical communications.

MAJOR USER FACILITIES:

Materials Preparation Center provides advanced materials to industry, university and government research centers.
Iowa Companies Assistance Program provides technical expertise to Iowa companies.

AWARDS:

14 R&D 100 Awards since 1984. Latest in 2001 for multiplexed capillary electrophoresis technology.

EDUCATION:

Annual Department of Energy Science Bowl regional competition. Winner of the 1998 Ames Laboratory/ISU Science Bowl also won the DOE National Science Bowl title.

Last revision: 3/17/03 kbg

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