Mission Statement
Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory advances the understanding of the fundamental nature of matter and energy by providing leadership and resources for qualified researchers to conduct basic research at the frontiers of high energy physics and related disciplines.
History
Fermilab has a rich history. Originally named the National Accelerator Laboratory, Fermilab was commissioned by the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission on November 21, 1967. On May 11, 1974 the laboratory was renamed in honor of Enrico Fermi, a 1938 Nobel Prize Winner.
Fermilab's site was formerly home to farmland and the village of Weston, Illinois. The houses and barns from these areas now comprise the Fermilab village, which houses Fermilab users (people from outside institutions who use Fermilab for research).
Throughout Fermilab's history, many important scientific discoveries have been made, the most famous of which are two fundamental particles in the Standard Model--the bottom quark and the top quark. In July 2000, Fermilab researchers announced the first observation of the tau neutrino, the last fundamental particle and yet another history-making discovery.
Fermilab's accelerators and detectors have historically been at the forefront of the field, making these extraordinary discoveries possible. The scientists and researchers at Fermilab are known for constantly pushing existing technology to its limits and developing new technology to advance discoveries in the field.
In addition to making their own history, Fermilab supports the land's rich ecological history. The lab is committed to maintaining Illinois' natural prairies and native vegetation. It is a sanctuary for all sorts of wildlife and even maintains an on-site herd of buffalo.
For more information on Fermilab's history, visit the following sites:
Fermilab's History Page
Fermilab History and Archives Project
Fermilab's Architecture
Nature and Ecology on Fermilab's Site
Enrico Fermi Biography
Timeline
Fermilab's Logo
Throughout the laboratory (and these web pages) you have seen Fermilab's logo, and by now you are probably wondering what it means. The logo represents the two types of magnets used in Fermilab's main ring, quadrupoles and dipoles. Quadrupole magnets focus the beam while dipole magnets steer it.
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Quadrupole |
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Dipole |
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Fermilab Logo |
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For more information on the history and creation of Fermilab's logo, see The Evolution of the Fermilab Logo.
Fermilab's Work
All kinds of work is done at Fermilab. From physicists to firefighters, secretaries to scientists, experimenters to editors, managers to mechanical engineers, all employees work towards the lab's primary mission--to advance the fundamental nature of matter and energy.
Take Fermilab's virtual tour to learn about the laboratory's work.
For more information on Fermilab's science and research, visit the following sites:
Research at Fermilab
FermiNews
Tours and Programs
Lederman Science Center--you may also tour this building
Organizational Structure
Approximately 2200 people work at Fermilab. Fermilab also has almost 2300 users (people from outside institutions who use Fermilab for research).
Operating under a directorate, Fermilab has four scientific and technical divisions and four administrative sections.
The Directorate oversees all the organizational units and directly supervises the budget, internal audit, quality assurance, value engineering, technology transfer and program planning.
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The Accelerator Division designs, constructs and operates the machines that provide high-energy proton and antiproton beam to the experiments. |
The Business Services Section manages business systems, telecommunications, mail services, material services, accounting and legal issues. |
The Computing Division provides leadership, support and resources for the Laboratory's computers and computer networks. |
The Environment, Safety and Health Section monitors Fermilab's ES&H program and conducts independent reviews.
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The Particle Physics Division provides management and technical resources for the construction and operation of experiments. |
The Facilities Engineering Services Section coordinates construction and facilities operation and maintenance.
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The Technical Division designs, fabricates, procures and tests accelerator and detector components. |
The Laboratory Services Section provides support in the areas of human resources, education, daycare and training and development. |
For more information see Fermilab's organization chart (PDF format).
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