Please review the tentative tour information. Tours may be canceled due to insufficient participation or other extenuating circumstances.
Tour costs are included with registration.
Technical Tours
ORNL Fusion and Fission Tour (Wednesday)
Come visit ORNL facilities associated with groundbreaking research advancing fusion and fission technology!
You’ll be visiting:
Building site of the Material Plasma Experiment (MPEX), a next-generation linear plasma device that will support plasma-material interaction studies for future fusion reactors
Fusion technology labs including the pellet lab and others, that focus on increasing the viability of fusion technology
The graphite reactor, the oldest reactor in the world with operations starting in 1943! Built in only nine months, it was created to demonstrate plutonium extraction from irradiated uranium.
The High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), the strongest reactor-based neutron source in the US. The thermal and cold neutron made by HFIR are used for a myriad of research including physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering and biology.
ORNL History and Facilities Tour (Wednesday)
Come visit ORNL’s world-class historical and cutting facilities!
You’ll be visiting:
The graphite reactor, the oldest reactor in the world with operations starting in 1943! Built in only nine months, it was created to demonstrate plutonium extraction from irradiated uranium.
The High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR), the strongest reactor-based neutron source in the US. The thermal and cold neutron made by HFIR are used for a myriad of research including physics, chemistry, materials science, engineering and biology.
The Spallation Neutron Source (SNS), an accelerator-based system that produces neutrons from proton pulses onto a liquid mercury target. The neutrons produced by SNS are used to advance research in physics, chemistry, and biology
Building site of the Material Plasma Experiment (MPEX), a next-generation linear plasma device that will support plasma-material interaction studies for future fusion reactors
Type One and AMSE Tour (Wednesday)
Visit the planned site for Type One Energy’s Infinity One Stellerator!
You’ll be visiting:
Former Bull Run Fossil Plant and planned site for Infinity One
The American Museum of Science and Engineering (AMSE). AMSE gives the history of science and engineering projects performed at Oak Ridge starting with the city’s involvement with the Manhattan Project. Discussions will be held regarding the past, present, and future of fusion energy in East Tennessee. Presentations and discussion topics about economic advantages, workforce development, utility participation, and regional growth will be held with representatives from ETEC and/or TVA.
ORNL Fusion Tour (Friday)
Visit the labs that will help to bring fusion power to the grid!
You’ll be visiting:
Building site of the Material Plasma Experiment (MPEX), a next-generation linear plasma device that will support plasma-material interaction studies for future fusion reactors
Fusion technology labs including the pellet lab and others, that focus on increasing the viability of fusion technology
Social Tours (Wednesday)
Museum of Appalachia
This tour will feature a self-guided walking tour of the museum with 3 exhibit buildings, a home-cooked southern buffet, and live bluegrass music performance. The duration of this tour is approximately 5 hours and is limited to an occupancy of 52 participants.
https://www.museumofappalachia.org
Cades Cove Tour
Nestled in the Great Smoky Mountains, the Cades Cove tour will give you an exciting opportunity to see some unique homesteads and buildings that will transport you back in time to a period when Tennessee was first being settled. You will also have a chance to see some of the local wildlife roaming in their natural habitats. The duration of this tour is approximately 6 hours and will be limited to 74 participants.
https://www.nps.gov/grsm/planyourvisit/cadescove.htm
Lost Sea Adventure
The tour is a three-quarter mile round-trip that lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes. During your visit, you will gain insights into the cavern’s captivating history and observe remnants of its past use by Cherokee Indians, Confederate soldiers, and a colossal prehistoric Jaguar from over 20,000 years ago. A voyage on the Lost Sea is sure to be an adventure you’ll never forget. The max occupancy for this tour is limited to 52 participants.
Early Career Social Networking Event at Maple Hall (Tuesday)
Students, postdocs, and early career professionals who have been in their full-time position less than two years are welcome to join us at Maple Hall for a networking event surrounded by food, fun, and bowling!