The\u00a0University of Rochester<\/strong><\/a>\u2019s\u00a0Laboratory for Laser Energetics<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0(LLE) will receive $111 million in federal funding from the US Department of Energy\u2019s National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) in fiscal year 2026 (FY26), which runs from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026.<\/p>\n This amount is the largest annual funding level in LLE\u2019s history and represents a 17 percent increase over the previous year, thanks to bipartisan support from the New York Congressional delegation and key committees. The funding was recently approved by both houses of Congress and signed into law by President Trump. The funding will restart major sustainment projects to the Omega Laser Facility, the nation\u2019s largest university-based DOE laser facility. NNSA provided a report to Congress outlining the needs for sustainment at all the major facilities supported by the inertial confinement fusion program, including the Omega Facility. Importantly, the sustainment program develops unique engineering solutions and engages high-tech businesses in the Finger Lakes region and nationwide.<\/p>\n LLE serves as a cornerstone of the US effort to study high-energy-density physics and laser-driven fusion. The FY26 funding from NNSA enables LLE to continue working with the scientific community in national laboratories and academia to develop novel diagnostics, experimental platforms, and laser technologies; to develop and demonstrate the physics required for laser-driven ignition, robust target performance, and scaling to high yield; and to innovate in all these research areas.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re incredibly grateful to Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, and Representative Morelle for their longstanding support and tremendous efforts on behalf of the University of Rochester,\u201d says University President Sarah Mangelsdorf. \u201cTheir leadership to secure record funding for LLE will enable important research critical to both our national security and to help solve one of the greatest challenges of our future, harnessing fusion to power an ever better and more secure energy future. I also want to recognize and thank Representative Langworthy, Representative Tenney, and the other members of the New York Congressional delegation for their strong, consistent support.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLLE is home to the largest lasers at an academic institution in the world and serves as the nation\u2019s premier laser user facility. NNSA\u2019s Omega Laser Facility is in high demand by scientists at LLE, at national laboratories, and in academia, many of which are themselves sponsored by NNSA, DOE, and other US programs. This investment allows us to preserve and modernize the facility to meet the needs in the 2040s,\u201d says LLE Director Christopher Deeney. He adds, \u201cIt will strengthen our ability to support the nation\u2019s national security missions for NNSA, while expanding opportunities for scientific discovery and training for students.\u201d<\/p>\n The FY26 Energy and Water Appropriations Bill also provides $8.4 billion for the Department of Energy\u2019s Office of Science\u2014an increase over FY25\u2014to advance key research areas, including high\u2011performance computing, quantum information science, artificial intelligence, and fusion energy sciences (with a focus on bringing fusion power to the electric grid). The bill also reinforces US scientific leadership by supporting the National Science Foundation\u2019s investments in research, regional innovation, and critical scientific infrastructure nationwide.<\/p>\n LLE and the University of Rochester\u2019s research and user programs are leading in these priorities by advancing laser direct-drive fusion through the DOE IFE-COLoR hub<\/a>; pioneering new diagnostics;developing new ultrahigh peak power, ultrafast laser technologies through NSF-OPAL<\/a> to expand the frontiers of science using ultra-intense lasers; and growing a next-generation laser ecosystem through the Science, Technology, and Engineering for Laser and Laser Applications Research (STELLAR) NSF Engine<\/a>.<\/p>\n LLE drives significant regional development through its procurement activities and deep ties to the Rochester area\u2019s optics, photonics, imaging, and lasers supply chain. The laboratory routinely sources optics, precision components, and advanced manufacturing services from local industry partners, channeling federal investment directly into Rochester-area businesses and creating high-skill jobs that support the region. \u201cLLE and the Institute of Optics have a vibrant history of innovation and leadership in technology development, in part supported by the continued New York State investments,\u201d says Deeney. \u201cSuch innovation benefits from the regional industrial ecosystem and frequently helps grow the capabilities of local industry. Continued innovation will keep Rochester as the place to develop lasers and optics.\u201d<\/p>\n Federal and state leaders praised the new federal investment as a reflection of LLE\u2019s proven record of scientific excellence and innovation.<\/p>\n US Senator Charles Schumer:<\/strong> \u201cThe University of Rochester\u2019s Laser Lab research is essential for our national security and is vital to our regional economy. I am proud to deliver this massive $111 million boost in funding for URochester\u2019s Omega Laser Facility to ensure the over 1,000 local workers supported by the lab can stay laser-focused on continuing their groundbreaking energy research and keeping America\u2019s nuclear stockpile safe. Eight years ago, when the lab was in danger, I stood at the lab with its hundreds of workers and pledged to focus like a laser to ensure this facility stays operational. Today, I\u2019m proud to say this cutting-edge lab is not only surviving but thriving. I will always fight to ensure Upstate New York has the federal resources to lead the nation in scientific discovery.\u201d<\/p>\n US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand:<\/strong> \u201cAs a longtime advocate for the University of Rochester\u2019s Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE), I am proud to have helped secure record levels of funding support through this year\u2019s funding package. LLE is a mission-critical asset for our nation in the heart of Rochester, and the OMEGA Laser facility continues to be highly sought after by academic researchers focused on groundbreaking research to support our national defense and clean energy breakthroughs. With this funding, research work will continue unabated, and numerous scientists, faculty, staff, and students who call LLE home will have modern facilities to tackle the challenges of the future.\u201d<\/p>\n Congressman Joe Morelle:<\/strong> \u201cHere in Rochester, we\u2019re proud of our history of leading in advanced laser technology, but we could not have built our incredible reputation without contributions from the University of Rochester and the Laboratory for Laser Energetics. As Vice Ranking Member of the House Committee on Appropriations, I will continue to fight for consistent federal investment that funds the critical science that ensures our national security. I\u2019m grateful to President Mangelsdorf, LLE Director Deeney, and the entire LLE team for all they do, and I look forward to our continued work together.\u201d<\/p>\n Congresswoman Claudia Tenney:<\/strong> \u201cThe Laboratory for Laser Energetics is a world-class research institution that plays an essential role in advancing fusion science, national security, and American technological leadership. This record FY26 funding ensures these programs can continue delivering critical capabilities in partnership through our national laboratories, universities, and defense programs. I appreciate the LLE\u2019s work and remain committed to supporting strong federal partnerships with our research institutions that drive innovation, strengthen our energy security, and support high-skilled jobs in Upstate New York and across the country.\u201d<\/p>\n Congressman Nick Langworthy:<\/strong> \u201cThe Laboratory for Laser Energetics is not only a pillar of American scientific innovation, but it\u2019s also a strategic national security asset. I was proud to strongly support this record funding to ensure the Omega Laser Facility remains at the forefront of fusion and defense research, while supporting high-skill jobs, advanced manufacturing, and engineering excellence in Western New York. Strengthening LLE strengthens America\u2019s energy security, reinforces our national defense, and ensures our region continues to play a critical role in keeping our nation safe and competitive.\u201d<\/p>\n New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) President and CEO Doreen M. Harris:<\/strong> \u201cSupporting the Omega Laser Facility at the University of Rochester helps to ensure New York remains at the forefront of fusion research and cutting-edge technologies that are vital to our state and nation\u2019s security. This investment not only advances breakthrough science, but also supports a strong research ecosystem that attracts top talent, fuels innovation, and creates long-term economic opportunity for the region and beyond.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The latest funding provides critical upgrades to the Omega Laser Facility to advance research, science, and technology for fusion energy and national security.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1452,"featured_media":692672,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[5296,9186,93],"class_list":["post-692642","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-university-news","tag-laboratory-for-laser-energetics","tag-research-funding","tag-sustainability"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nFueling regional economic growth<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Government officials voice their support<\/strong><\/h3>\n