The Nuclear Science Division, a part of the Physical Sciences Area at Berkeley Lab, conducts basic research aimed at understanding the structure and interactions of nuclei and the forces of nature as manifested in nuclear matter – topics that align the Division with the national program as elucidated in the 2015 U.S. Nuclear Science Long Range Plan.
The Division has major programs in low energy nuclear science, including nuclear structure physics, studies of the heaviest elements, exotic nuclei and light radioactive beams, weak interactions, and nuclear reactions; relativistic heavy ion physics; nuclear theory; nuclear astrophysics and neutrino properties; data evaluation; and advanced instrumentation. The Division also operates the 88-Inch Cyclotron. The 88-Inch Cyclotron is the home of the Berkeley Accelerator Space Effects Facility (BASEF) and supports a local research program in nuclear science. The Nuclear Science Division continues to exploit new opportunities to enable cutting edge science and provides for science education of the general public and students at all levels.
Recent News
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NSD Research Scientist Jennifer Pore Receives DOE Early Career Research Award
Dr. Pore’s project, “Investigating the Fundamental Properties of the Heaviest Elements,” will be at the intersection of Nuclear Physics and Chemistry and utilize LBNL’s Berkeley Gas-Filled Separator (BGS) and FIONA devices to study the physical and chemical properties of Superheavy Elements.
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NSD Secures Funding to Train Future Nuclear Data Evaluators
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory’s Nuclear Science Division has received United States Nuclear Data Program funding to train new nuclear data evaluators, addressing critical gaps in the future workforce needs. This initiative will strengthen global nuclear data resources, impacting fields from national security to nuclear astrophysics.
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In Memorium – Frank Samuel Stephens Jr.
It is with deep sadness that we have learned of the passing of Frank Stevens on Sunday, August 18, 2024. Frank will be remembered for the enormous impact on the field of Low Energy Nuclear Physics. He started at Berkeley Lab as a Research Chemist in 1955, became a Senior Scientist two years into his…