From the infinite scale of the universe to the infinitesimal scale of subatomic particles, researchers at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory — Berkeley Lab — are advancing the scope of human knowledge and seeking technical solutions to some of the greatest problems facing humankind. Scientific excellence and an unparalleled record of achievement have been the hallmarks of this Laboratory since it was founded by Ernest O. Lawrence in 1931. Eleven scientists associated with Berkeley Lab have won the Nobel Prize, and 55 other Nobel Laureates either trained here or had significant collaborations with Laboratory researchers. Thirteen Berkekey Lab scientists have also won the National Medal of Science, the nation's highest award for lifetime achievement in fields of scientific research.

Berkeley Lab is a member of the national laboratory system supported by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) through its Office of Science. It is managed by the University of California (UC) and is charged with conducting unclassified research across a broad range of scientific disciplines.

Located on a 200-acre site in the hills above the UC Berkeley campus, Berkeley Lab employs approximately 4,000 scientists, engineers, support staff and students. Its budget for 2008 was approximately $600 million. Technologies developed at Berkeley Lab have generated billions of dollars in revenues and thousands of jobs. Savings as a result of Berkeley Lab developments in energy-efficient technologies have also been in the billions of dollars.