Scientists and researchers in NREL's Energy Sciences directorate develop new knowledge and fundamental concepts in the chemical, biological, materials, and computer sciences. These researchers conduct the foundational scientific research that underpins NREL's technological research and development (R&D), including theoretical and fundamental research in biosciences and chemical and materials science, and basic and applied research in computational science. We partner with universities, other national laboratories, and industry to bring additional capabilities to ongoing R&D programs at NREL.

Associate Laboratory Director Ray Stults leads the Energy Sciences directorate. Energy Sciences comprises three centers: Biosciences, Chemical and Materials Science, and Computational Science.