The work behind scientific discovery
Infrastructure Services keeps Fermilab’s research, facilities and workforce moving by operating and maintaining critical infrastructure, supporting experiments, preparing for future projects and caring for the laboratory’s natural resources. Its teams bring expertise in engineering, utilities, construction, transportation, facility operations, environmental stewardship and technical planning.
Much of this work happens behind the scenes, but it is essential to Fermilab’s daily operations and scientific mission. The following examples highlight just a few of the ways they keep the laboratory’s science, facilities, people and natural resources moving forward.
Powering Fermilab’s operations
The Central Utility Building is at the heart of Fermilab’s operations. Miles of pipes, thousands of valves and specialized equipment deliver heating, cooling and water to accelerator components, cryogenic systems, experiments and facilities across the site.
The building may not be one of Fermilab’s most visible landmarks, but the systems it houses are essential to the laboratory’s science. Teams operate and maintain these systems every day to keep critical equipment, experiments and facilities running.
Preparing for the future
Fermilab is building new capabilities for the next generation of particle physics through projects such as PIP-II, an upgrade to its accelerator complex that will enable new discoveries for decades to come.
PIP-II will provide up to two megawatts of continuous proton power for future experiments, including the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment. The team is preparing for this work by upgrading electrical systems, modernizing utilities and supporting the facilities needed for the new accelerator.
The future of particle physics depends on bold scientific ideas and the infrastructure needed to support them.
Moving science forward
Fermilab’s experiments rely on equipment that can be large, delicate and highly specialized. Infrastructure Services’ transportation and distribution teams plan and execute these moves with precision, putting critical components in place so experiments can operate as designed.
For Mu2e, experts safely moved and positioned a 28,000-pound detector inside the experiment hall, supporting a major construction milestone. The operation required specialized equipment, detailed planning and close coordination to protect the detector’s sensitive components.
From moving detectors and supporting construction to maintaining systems around experiments, the team provides the infrastructure and expertise that keep Fermilab’s work moving forward.
Caring for acres of land
Infrastructure Services stewards more than 6,800 acres, including nearly 2,000 acres of restored prairies, grasslands and woodlands.
These habitats support American bison, bald eagles, osprey, sandhill cranes, rare plants and many other species. The Ecology team manages and restores these natural areas while balancing environmental responsibility with the needs of a working research laboratory.
This work protects biodiversity and helps preserve an environment where science and nature exist side by side.
