Newswise — Local and state economies could be bolstered with more than $1 billion if the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory is chosen as site for a world-class rare isotope beam research facility.
Argonne is managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science. UChicago Argonne, LLC brings the best commercial practices and marshals the talent of Illinois' leading research institutions to lead Argonne National Laboratory into the future.
DOE has released its final funding opportunity announcement for the $550 million Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) with proposals due by July 21. FRIB will allow scientists to understand the origins of the Earth's most abundant elements, and heavier elements in the universe, without which life would not be possible.
If Argonne wins the bid for FRIB, it is estimated that Illinois residents will receive $250 million in new personal income during the eight-year construction period. During the same period, the facility is expected to contribute $1 billion total output to the Illinois economy; on completion it is expected to provide $80 million in economic activity annually and 290 new jobs.
The State of Illinois is providing major funding in support of scientific projects that will enhance the siting of FRIB at Argonne. In addition, local federal legislators are supporting Argonne's bid for the facility.
"The rare isotope facility holds enormous potential for our country's technological and economic competitiveness," said U.S. Congresswoman Judy Biggert (R-Il-13), whose district includes Argonne . Rep. Biggert is a senior member of House Science and Technology Subcommittee on Energy and Environment, which has oversight over the DOE's research and development programs and national laboratories. "This world-class user facility could bring millions in revenue and high-tech jobs to our local economy."
Argonne believes it is uniquely equipped to handle the rare isotope laboratory. If chosen, the Argonne scientists, who were instrumental in pioneering the enabling technology, would be able to incorporate the existing Argonne Tandem Linac Accelerator System to create a world-class rare isotope facility.
"We have the technology, the experience and the know-how to take full advantage of this opportunity," Laboratory Director Robert Rosner said. "FRIB will ensure Argonne will continue to be on the forefront of scientific research and will contribute to our role as an international gateway for the world's top scientists and engineers."
While the core mission of the proposed facility would be fundamental research, FRIB would have a major impact on Illinois' technological strength. Academic and corporate research institutions from the Midwest and beyond would benefit from the facility and discussions have already begun on how they might take best advantage of this singular capability.
Argonne National Laboratory brings the world's most capable scientists and engineers together to find exciting and creative new solutions to pressing national problems in science and technology. The nation's first national laboratory, Argonne conducts leading-edge basic and applied scientific research in virtually every scientific discipline. Argonne researchers work closely with researchers from hundreds of companies, universities, and federal, state and municipal agencies to help them solve their specific problems, advance America's scientific leadership and prepare the nation for a better future.
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