LLNL to participate in Science Expo on the National Mall in Washington DC

On October 23 and 24, Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) will join hundreds of other research institutions, universities, high-tech industries, professional societies, museums and science centers in a two-day expo on the National Mall in Washington, DC, held as part of the first-ever USA Science and Engineering Festival.

More than 750 exhibits, spanning aerospace, energy, medicine, biotechnology, genetics, botany, climate science, robotics, nanotechnology and many other disciplines, will provide activities that allow participants, young and old, to experience first-hand the fun of science.

The Lab will feature an energy-related theme with two major components. The first includes a 3D virtual ride on a beam of light as it races through the National Ignition Facility (NIF) -- the world's largest laser system -- and smashes into a BB-sized target filled with fusion fuel, all as a quest to develop fusion as a future energy source. 

"This exhibit features two of the Laboratory's most exciting and important research thrusts-laser fusion research with NIF and understanding climate change and the impact of our energy choices, all aimed at ensuring the nation's energy security," said Tomas Diaz de la Rubia, LLNL deputy director for science and technology. "We're excited to have this opportunity to share our love of science with the general public and particularly the young people who will be tomorrow's scientists, engineers, and innovators."

Scientists and engineers from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory will be on hand to answer questions about these exhibits and the groundbreaking research they are doing to address the energy-environment challenge.

With more than 1,500 entertaining and educational activities, this giant science party on America's front lawn aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers and to build a greater appreciation of the importance of science and technology to the nation's prosperity.

The USA Science and Engineering Festival Expo will be held Saturday and Sunday, October 23-24, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. It is free and open to the public. LLNL's exhibits will be at booths 200 and 202.