The Occasional Papers are brief topical papers that represent just a sampling of the exciting and diverse research sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science. The Office of Science leads the Nation in many areas of the physical sciences and makes significant contributions in other major scientific fields, including life sciences and advanced computing and mathematics. It has also developed programs in science education, using its national laboratories to support the urgent need for building a workforce of scientists and engineers for the 21st Century.

Dr. Raymond Orbach (right), Director of the Office of Science, listens to students, teachers, and their mentors talk about the research they are performing as part of the summer internship programs at the national laboratories to help build a science workforce for the 21st Century.

The Office of Science blends cutting-edge research and innovative problem solving to stay at the forefront of scientific discovery. The Occasional Papers illustrate how these inseparable elements of scientific research work together to achieve new insights that translate into a greater understanding of nature and matter, improved medical devices, energy efficient cars and appliances, and a host of other innovations that improve our economy, national security, and quality of life. The Office of Science is committed to remaining at the forefront of major new scientific discoveries.

1. The Challenge and Promise of Scientific Computing
2. Building a 21st Century Workforce
3. The Beauty of Nanoscale Science
4. Using Nature's Own Toolkit to Clean up the Environment
5. Dark Energy—the Mystery that Dominates the Universe
6. Fusion Energy—Bringing a Star to Earth
7. Biotechnology for Energy Security
8. Accelerator Technology for the Nation
9. Facilities for Scientific Discovery
10. Scientific Foundations for Countering Terrorism