$47 million allocated for new Richland laboratory utilizing AI to accelerate scientific breakthroughs

Microscopic organisms invisible to the naked eye are at the heart of a groundbreaking project in Richland, marking a new era for artificial intelligence in scientific research. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright activated a pioneering AI system at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) on Thursday, signaling a major step toward faster, life-changing scientific discoveries.

The system, named the Anaerobic Microbial Phenotyping Platform (AMP2), represents just the initial phase of research on the PNNL campus as part of the national Genesis Mission, a federal initiative to integrate AI into scientific exploration. Our goal is to dramatically increase the pace of scientific discovery and engineering innovation, Wright stated, emphasizing collaboration with national laboratories and commercial partners in an innovation-driven environment.

The Department of Energy has awarded a $47 million contract to Ginkgo Bioworks in Boston to construct a facility ten times larger than the AMP2 prototype. This new building will be added to PNNLs Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory (EMSL), a hub where researchers access advanced scientific instruments and expertise. The 32,000-square-foot expansion will host 100 high-tech analytical devices, enabling a wide array of experiments.

Groundbreaking for the new Microbial Molecular Phenotyping Capability (M2PC) is scheduled for next year, with operations expected by 2030. In the meantime, the current prototype at EMSL will begin research projects next month.

AI-Powered Autonomous Research

Like the AMP2 prototype, M2PC will operate autonomously, allowing scientists to design experiments and have the system execute them. Robotic arms will handle sample preparation, transport, and analysis around the clock. Beyond repetitive tasks, true autonomy ensures experiments flow seamlessly, with AI analyzing results in real time and determining subsequent research steps. Scientists will retain oversight and control while significantly accelerating data collection and discovery.

Autonomy and AI are transforming how science is conducted, enabling results in days that previously took months or years, explained Douglas Mans, interim director of Earth and Biological Sciences at PNNL.

Unlocking the Microbial World

Microbes, including bacteria and fungi, account for the largest reservoir of biological functions on Earth, yet 95% remain unexplored. The combination of AI and autonomous experimentation promises to convert limited knowledge into a detailed, multidimensional understanding of microbial life. The platform will measure microbial growth, preferred conditions, compound production, and other traits, collectively known as the phenotype.

Scott Baker, a PNNL scientist, emphasized the importance of this work: To understand and predict microbial behavior, we need a large team of researchers supported by a state-of-the-art laboratory dedicated to microbial science.

Applications and Impacts

Research at the new lab could accelerate the development of medicines for diseases like Alzheimers and cancer, enhance energy materials, and improve industrial microbial applications. One planned project will explore how bacteria-generated acids could extract valuable metals such as lithium and cobalt from mine waste. The global bioeconomy, currently valued over $4 trillion, is projected to exceed $30 trillion in the next three decades.

Senator Maria Cantwell highlighted the broader economic impact: PNNL will lead the nation in AI-driven biotechnology, advancing cleaner fuels, sustainable materials, and medical breakthroughs, strengthening Washingtons position in critical future industries.

Secretary Wright noted that increased research efficiency will drive higher demand for scientific talent, fueling growth in the life sciences workforce. Ginkgo Bioworks CEO Jason Kelly stressed that the new AI platforms will augment scientists work rather than replace them, enabling discoveries previously beyond imagination.

AMP2s commissioning is part of Wrights 2025 tour of all 17 national labs, with Rep. Dan Newhouse accompanying him during the visit to PNNL.

Author: Ava Mitchell