Materials Innovation for a Changing World
Researchers at Ames National Laboratory’s Division of Materials Sciences and Engineering focus on solving some of the most pressing challenges facing the world today. We discover, design, and deploy materials at every scale, uncovering how they behave and how they can be improved for diverse applications. Our work spans rare earths and critical materials, quantum systems, energy technologies, and materials that must perform in demanding environments.
With deep expertise in materials refining and advanced manufacturing, we partner with industry to translate scientific discovery into scalable solutions, positioning Ames Lab as a go-to resource for manufacturing innovation and collaboration.
Working across disciplines, we address challenges in energy, manufacturing, and supply chains, helping to strengthen U.S. competitiveness and enable next-generation technologies. Explore our research to see how fundamental science drives real-world impact.
Research
Rare Earths & Critical Materials
Securing materials that power modern technology
Quantum & Electronic Materials
Understanding and controlling materials at the smallest scales
Energy Materials & Systems
Advancing materials for a more reliable energy future
Advanced Manufacturing & Processing
Turning materials innovation into real-world solutions
Materials for Extreme Environments
Designing materials for the world's most demanding applications
Services and Capabilities
Materials Preparation Center
Producing high-purity metals and materials that enable research and critical technologies.
Powder Synthesis and Development
Creating advanced materials designed for performance and scalable manufacturing.
Advanced Magnet Facility
Developing high-performance magnetic materials for energy, security, and emerging technologies.
Sensitive Instrument Facility
Providing specialized tools to measure and understand material behavior and performance.
News & Highlights
SQMS Center uncovers material origins of variations in qubit performance through landmark study
Ames National Laboratory to lead DOE Mine of the Future project
Feature Story
New Ames Lab atomizer unlocks materials for next-generation gas turbines and fusion energy
Ames National Laboratory to contribute to AI-Driven magnet manufacturing project under DOE Genesis Mission
AI-powered hunt for stronger magnets earns Iowa State and Ames Lab $2.7 million grant
Funding
Research in the Division of Materials Science and Engineering is supported primarily by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science, particularly the Office of Basic Energy Sciences, with additional support from DOE technology offices and strategic partnerships that advance applied research and collaboration.