U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright embarked on a tour of Bay Area national laboratories with a visit to the Department of Energy’s SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory on May 27. The purpose of his visit was to engage with the facility’s students, staff, and users, gaining insights into some of the most advanced scientific research projects underway. Key areas of focus included X-ray and ultrafast science, fusion energy, quantum information science, microelectronics, and fundamental physics research, with particular emphasis on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing these fields. SLAC, managed by Stanford University, is renowned for cutting-edge research that delves into the workings of the universe, from the microscopic scale of atomic and molecular motion to the macroscopic mysteries of the cosmos. Wright’s tour began in the accelerator control room, the central hub where AI and machine learning are employed to optimize the performance of SLAC’s accelerators. These technologies help refine experimental precision, reduce setup times, and streamline the troubleshooting of intricate systems, significantly enhancing the efficiency of scientific investigations. Another highlight of the visit was the Linac Coherent Light Source (LCLS), the world’s most powerful X-ray free-electron laser. Recently upgraded, the LCLS produces ultrafast, high-energy X-ray beams that allow scientists to observe and study the dynamic changes within atoms and molecules. Secretary Wright met with LCLS collaborators and discussed how these capabilities are pivotal for advancements in fusion energy and microelectronics. Such research not only benefits the lab’s partners but also contributes to the broader scientific and industrial communities. Wright also toured the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource (SSRL), another DOE Office of Science user facility. The SSRL generates extremely bright X-rays that enable detailed investigations of materials and biological samples. The Secretary learned about the facility’s crucial role in drug design and the development of novel materials for batteries, semiconductors, and microelectronics. These studies often lead to significant real-world applications, such as the creation of more effective medications and advanced technological components. A stop at the Kavli Institute for Particle Astrophysics and Cosmology (KIPAC) provided Secretary Wright with insights into the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) Camera, the world’s largest digital camera installed at the NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile. Over the course of a decade, the LSST will conduct extensive surveys, producing up to 500 petabytes of data—equivalent to all the written content created in human history. This data is initially processed at the U.S. Data Facility (USDF) at SLAC, where alerts are sent to other observatories worldwide to coordinate further investigations. KIPAC continues to build on its legacy of Nobel Prize-winning physics research, exploring fundamental questions in astrophysics, cosmology, and the nature of dark matter and neutrinos. SLAC’s Arrillaga Science Center, a hub for innovation, houses several groundbreaking facilities. These include the SLAC-Stanford Battery Center, the SUNCAT Center for Interface Science and Catalysis, the Detector Microfabrication Facility (DMF), and the SLAC-Stanford Cryo-EM Center. The lab’s strong partnership with Stanford University underpins its capabilities in energy and catalysis research, quantum and microelectronics device fabrication, and the development of advanced techniques like cryo-electron microscopy. Cryo-EM has provided valuable new data on various pathogens, including chicken pox and mosquito-transmitted diseases, and insights into natural processes like antibiotic assembly by organisms. The tour concluded with a visit to SLAC’s signature two-mile-long linear accelerator, a symbol of the lab’s pioneering spirit and innovative approach to science and technology. Throughout the day, Secretary Wright interacted with early-career scientists, visiting researchers, and students, emphasizing the importance of their collaborative efforts in pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge and technological innovation. Industry insiders view the Secretary’s visit as a strong endorsement of the critical role national laboratories play in driving U.S. scientific and technological leadership. They highlight the lab’s unique strengths and interdisciplinary approach, which are essential for addressing complex challenges in fields such as energy, healthcare, and materials science. SLAC’s strategic partnerships, cutting-edge facilities, and commitment to AI-driven advancements position it as a key player in the global scientific community. The lab’s ongoing projects and partnerships with institutions like Stanford University ensure that it remains at the forefront of fundamental and applied research, contributing significantly to national and international scientific goals.