Recently, Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), Co-Chair of the National Labs Caucus, along with U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Under Secretary for Science Paul Dabbar, Director of Brookhaven National Lab (BNL) Doon Gibbs, President of Stony Brook University Maria McInnis, Senator Chuck Schumer, scientists from Brookhaven National Lab and other stakeholders, launched the Electron Ion Collider (EIC) project at BNL.
Earlier this year, the DOE selected BNL as the home of DOE’s EIC, which will be designed and constructed over ten years with an estimated cost of $2 billion.
According to BNL, all of today’s information technology relies on understanding the electromagnetic force between the atomic nucleus and the electrons that orbit it, but little is known about the microcosm within the protons and neutrons that comprise the nucleus. The Electron-Ion Collider would allow scientists to look inside the nucleus and its protons and neutrons. Scientists at BNL believe “the Electron-Ion Collider would be a discovery machine for unlocking the secrets of the ‘glue’ that binds the building blocks of visible matter in the universe” and “will trigger technological breakthroughs that have broad-ranging impact on human health and national challenges.”
“This cutting edge project will inject billions of dollars and an extensive number of jobs into our communities all while churning out scores of scientific discoveries that help us understand the world around us, harness the untapped potential of the natural world and, from human health to our national security and beyond, benefit nearly every aspect of our lives,” said Congressman Lee Zeldin. “Brookhaven National Lab has pioneered the future of clean and green energy, medical and cancer research, astrophysics, and far more, all while encouraging and cultivating the bright minds of future generations of researchers.Throughout this process, as co-chair of the National Labs Caucus and the Representative in the House for BNL, it’s been an honor to help lead the effort to steer this Electron-Ion Collider dream machine home to NY-1. After working closely with Secretary Brouillette, Secretary Perry, Under Secretary Dabbar, and BNL leadership, it’s amazing to see this project become a reality right here on Long Island.”
