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About the Lab

The United States and its allies depend on Los Alamos National Laboratory's contributions to nuclear deterrence and national security through innovation in research and development.

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) was established in 1943 to conduct scientific research for the Manhattan Project, an allied effort that developed the world’s first atomic weapons.

Located about 35 miles northwest of Santa Fe, LANL is a multi-program, federally funded research and development center for the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) of the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). LANL's priority roles are serving as a nuclear weapons design agency and a nuclear weapons production agency; addressing nuclear threats; and performing national security science, technology, and engineering.

  • People

    Our total workforce is about 14,150, including roughly 13,200 with Triad National Security, LLC, 330 guard force, and 620 contractors. Our workforce also has about 1,200 unionized craft workers, 1,800 students, 460 postdoctoral researchers, and 860 veterans.

    • Place

      Los Alamos is located in the high desert of northern New Mexico, 35 miles from the state capital of Santa Fe. LANL spans almost 40 square miles of DOE-owned property and has almost 900 individual facilities, 13 nuclear facilities, 8.4 million square feet in buildings, and a $39.1 billion replacement plant value.

      • Workforce

        35% of employees live in Los Alamos; the remainder are from Santa Fe, Española, Taos, Albuquerque, and more. Quick facts: average age: 44, 67% male and 33% female, 49% minorities, 6% hold associate degrees, 25% hold undergraduate degrees, 18% hold master’s degrees, 18% have earned a PhD (Triad and students only)

        • Major Awards

          186 R&D 100 awards since 1978 | 37 E. O. Lawrence Awards | 11 Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists & Engineers | 3 Glenn T. Seaborg Awards | The Edward Teller Medal | The Nobel Prize in Physics: Frederick Reines

        Human Capital

        12,974Full-Time Equivalent Employees (FTEs)
        33Joint Faculty Appointments
        548Postdoctoral Students
        850Undergraduate Students
        650Graduate Students
        1,000Facility Users
        686Visiting Scientists

        FY24 Funding

        F Y24 Funding Chart

        Code of Conduct

        Helping employees recognize and resolve the ethics and compliance issues that may arise in their daily work.

        Learn More