SLAC’s campus looking south with Interstate 280 in the distance. (Olivier Bonin/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory)

Video details

The 3,200-megapixel LSST Camera is being tested inside the clean room at SLAC. The camera is the central component of the NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory. (Olivier Bonin/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory)

Video details

Sunrise timelapse of SSRL (Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource) (Olivier Bonin/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory)

Video details

Aerial view of SLAC’s  campus. Stanford campus and Hoover tower can be seen in the distance. (Olivier Bonin/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory)

Video details

SLAC’s research yard in the foreground, with the LINAC stretching 2 miles to the west, and SLAC’s campus on the right. (Olivier Bonin/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory)

Bold People
Visionary Science
Real Impact

We explore how the universe works at the biggest, smallest and fastest scales and invent powerful tools used by scientists around the globe. Our research helps solve real-world problems and advances the interests of the nation.

Our story Our people

Visionary Science

Explore our frontier research

X-ray & ultrafast science

Revealing nature’s fastest processes with X-rays, lasers and electrons

Physics of the universe

Studying the particles and forces that knit the cosmos together
 

Advanced accelerators

Building smaller, faster, more powerful accelerators for all
 

Science of life

Understanding the machinery of life at its most basic level
 

New technologies

Inventing new tools for science and society
 

Energy sciences

Finding clean, sustainable solutions for the world’s energy challenges

WHERE RESEARCH HAPPENS

Facilities & centers

At our large-scale facilities and specialized centers, scientists take advantage of powerful tools and unique expertise and collaborate with each other across a wide range of disciplines. Working together is what makes science tick.

Scientific facilities Joint institutes & centers

MEET OUR TEAMS

SLAC people

To achieve our ambitious goals and keep SLAC a great place to work, the lab needs a creative, diverse and united workforce – people with a wide variety of experiences, ideas, skills and backgrounds.

LATEST UPDATES

SLAC news center

News Feature

NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory is gearing up to illuminate the universe’s darkest secrets with groundbreaking new technology.

 

Cosmic Focus
News Brief

The new findings highlight the need for ongoing monitoring of H5N1’s evolution in nature. 

Chickens in a grassy field
News Brief

The theorist is one of seven Stanford faculty members elected by the Academy this year, recognizing their exceptional contributions in their fields and professions.

Lance Dixon pointing at mathematical formula on a chalkboard
News Feature

Following a boom in catalysis users at SSRL, Beam Line 10-2 has been transformed and outfitted with new technologies. 

Beam Line 10-2 hutch
News Brief

The new findings highlight the need for ongoing monitoring of H5N1’s evolution in nature. 

Chickens in a grassy field
News Brief

The theorist is one of seven Stanford faculty members elected by the Academy this year, recognizing their exceptional contributions in their fields and professions.

Lance Dixon pointing at mathematical formula on a chalkboard
News Feature

Following a boom in catalysis users at SSRL, Beam Line 10-2 has been transformed and outfitted with new technologies. 

Beam Line 10-2 hutch
News Feature

SLAC, Stanford researchers estimate that reducing harmful chemical emissions could cut cancer risks from smoke exposure by over 50%.

A forestry worker performing a prescribed burn
News Brief
VIA Symmetry Magazine

Explain it in 60 seconds: big data

How do you solve a problem like big data?

Illustration for big data story
News Feature

The $3 million Breakthrough Prize in Fundamental Physics went to the ATLAS, CMS, ALICE, and LHCb collaborations representing 13,508 researchers.

Photo of the massive mural of the ATLAS detector at CERN Point 1 painted by artist Josef Kristofoletti.
SLAC EVENTS

What’s happening

Upcoming Event
Registration is encouraged for this event! There will be limited space for walk-ups (first come, first serve). At CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC), protons...
SLAC on Tap Julia Gonski
May 08

SLAC is a vibrant community of diverse perspectives and expertise, all working together to solve some of the most pressing challenges of our times."

John Sarrao Lab Director Headshot of John Sarrao
About SLAC video still frame
Video
SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory is a Department of Energy national lab run by Stanford in the heart of Silicon Valley. We invent scientific tools to explore the universe at its biggest, its smallest and its fastest. (Olivier Bonin/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory)
DIG DEEPER

Explore SLAC

PUBLIC TOURS

Take a tour of SLAC

SLAC Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS) accelerator tunnel.
MEDIA RESOURCES

Images, videos & more

Ghost imaging illustration