Visit highlights materials innovation, advanced manufacturing and workforce development
AMES, Iowa, Sept. 8, 2026 — Ames National Laboratory today welcomed senior leaders from the U.S. Department of Energy, NASA, and other federal agencies for discussions on materials innovation, manufacturing, energy technologies, and STEM workforce development. The visit coincided with NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman's nationwide "Inspiration Tour," an effort to engage Americans in space exploration while highlighting the scientific research, innovation, and workforce development that support the nation's future.
Among the visitors were U.S. Deputy Secretary of Energy James Danly, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, Harriet Kung, Deputy Director for Science Programs in the DOE Office of Science, and Emma Quigg, Chief of Staff for the DOE Office of Science. Isaacman's delegation included senior federal science and technology leaders from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and other federal agencies.
Guests were briefed on the DOE's Critical Materials Innovation Hub, led by Ames National Laboratory, and learned about research supporting resilient supply chains for materials essential to advanced technologies, energy systems and national security. Additional stops showcased plastics upcycling technologies, advanced magnet manufacturing, and materials designed to perform in extreme environments, including those relevant to future aerospace and space technologies.
“From advanced magnets and critical materials to manufacturing technologies and materials designed for extreme environments, many of the innovations needed for future aerospace and space missions begin with advances in materials science and chemistry," said Ames National Laboratory Director Karl Mueller. "We were honored to welcome leaders from the Department of Energy, NASA, and across the federal scientific enterprise to discuss how fundamental research can help address national challenges and enable future technologies."
The visit concluded at Iowa State University, where the NASA delegation met with students participating in aerospace, satellite, rocketry, and space-related programs, and led a campus town hall focused on science, engineering, and technology careers.
Ames National Laboratory is a U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science National Laboratory operated by Iowa State University. Ames Laboratory creates innovative materials, technologies, and energy solutions. We use our expertise, unique capabilities, and interdisciplinary collaborations to solve global problems.
Ames Laboratory is supported by the Office of Science of the U.S. Department of Energy. The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit https://energy.gov/science.