Argonne is a multidisciplinary science and engineering research center where leading scientists and engineers work together to answer the biggest questions facing humanity–from how to obtain reliable and affordable energy, to how to protect ourselves from emerging threats.
This tour will explore the following areas within Argonne:
- Harnessing the Power of Supercomputing and AI Tour of the Aurora Exascale Supercomputer
The Argonne Leadership Computing Facility (ALCF), a Department of Energy Office of Science user facility, is home to Aurora—one of the world’s first exascale supercomputers—capable of performing over a billion calculations per second to drive breakthroughs in fields from materials science to energy. Built in partnership with Intel and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Aurora leverages advanced AI and its integration with the upgraded Advanced Photon Source to enable real-time data analysis, precision modeling, and transformative scientific discoveries at unprecedented speeds.
- Visualization Lab: How Argonne Makes the Power Grid More Reliable and Resilient
The U.S. power grid—spanning nearly 12,000 power plants, 200,000 miles of high-voltage lines, 60,000 substations, and 3 million miles of power lines—is vital to the economy but vulnerable to threats like cyberattacks and extreme weather, and Argonne works with utilities, governments, academia, and other national labs to enhance its stability and resilience through advanced modeling, forecasting, and cybersecurity tools. The Argonne Leadership Computing Facility’s Visualization Laboratory, home to the 27-by-8-foot Active Mural with 66 million pixels, enables researchers to analyze and visualize massive datasets from supercomputers in remarkable detail, uncovering deeper insights to strengthen grid security.
- Argonne’s Smart Energy Plaza
A state-of-the-art research facility for testing electric vehicle charging systems and their integration with grid infrastructure. Once a gas station, the site now supports real-time evaluation of charging technologies, load management, and system resilience. Researchers explore solutions to strengthen grid stability, reduce infrastructure costs, and improve access to fast, secure, and user-friendly charging across transportation and power systems.
- Advanced Mobility Technology Laboratory and Overview of Argonne’s Transportation Science Effort
The transportation sector accounts for nearly 10% of U.S. GDP and is the second-largest household expense, making it a key focus for Argonne’s work to expand affordable, effective, and resilient transportation options that support domestic jobs and strengthen American competitiveness. Partnering with industry across the full spectrum—from materials and components to vehicle systems and national corridors—Argonne also advances workforce training through North America’s premier collegiate automotive engineering competitions, producing over 32,000 industry professionals.
Tour Maximum Capacity: 50
Cost: $35
Requirements/Restrictions:
- Closed-toe shoes; flat or block-heel shoes are allowed.
- Shirts must cover the back and shoulders (minimum ¼ length sleeves). Bare legs are prohibited.
- In some labs, visitors must wear safety glasses provided by the laboratory (or bring their own).
- Tours include short walks. All tour locations are ADA accessible.
Security Check: Yes
Pick-Up/Drop-Off Location: McCormick Place
Event registration is required to sign up for a technical tour. Secure your spot when you register for 2026 IEEE PES T&D.
