Looking at the Milky Way.

Mission

The mission of Yale Wright Laboratory is to advance understanding of the physical world—from the smallest particles to the evolution of the Universe—by engaging in fundamental research, developing novel instrumentation and research techniques, training a diverse community of future leaders in research and development, educating scholars, promoting the value of science in society, and enabling discovery.

Wright Lab supports a research community of scientists, staff, and students and fosters cross-disciplinary collaborations across Yale University and worldwide.

About

P5 Report Wright Lab research areas visualization.

Hub for Research & Development

Yale Wright Laboratory (Wright Lab) is a hub for fundamental physics, instrumentation development, and training the next generation of scientists. Wright lab supports a broad research program in experimental nuclear physics, particle physics, and astrophysics, with particular emphasis on instrumentation development and quantum sensing for fundamental science. Wright Lab houses state-of-the-art technical facilities and a vibrant community of over one hundred researchers and staff. It also supports the collaboration and work of Yale scientists on six continents. The lab is an essential element of the experimental program of the Yale Physics Department.

Wright Lab scientists lead experiments to further our understanding of the Universe, from elementary particles to the evolution of the cosmos at the largest scales. Our researchers play a critical role in national science initiatives, lead international projects, and advance Yale’s strategic science priorities. Wright Lab is playing a central role in developing the University’s instrumentation initiative, using quantum science and AI/ML to leverage the power of advanced detectors, and is a leader in building a diverse and inclusive community of students and scholars in the physical sciences at Yale.

We have recently welcomed new faculty to the Physics Department and Wright Lab, and are excited to build several new experiments here on campus and with partners at international facilities worldwide.

Wright Lab faculty member mentoring two people in a lab.

Preparing Future Scientists

Education is a core element of our mission. Wright Lab trains a broad group of students and scientists at all career stages. Through hands-on research experiences, specialized workshops, mentoring, scientific seminars, and career development activities, we train the next leaders in science and technology with a broad set of technical, computational, and management skills. Wright Lab alumni have gone on to positions in academia, national laboratories, government, industry, law, medicine, and science communication.

Wright Lab also promotes the value of science in society through regular outreach programs, media appearances by Wright Lab members, and organizing special outreach events.

Group of people smiling at the Wright Lab winter celebration.

Community

Wright Lab is committed to fostering community among all students, staff, and faculty. Our community’s goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and productive environment for research, teaching, and mentoring. Wright Lab community members are frequently recognized for their advocacy and outreach efforts.

We also enjoy occasional celebrations and other social events that bring our community together.

Funding

Wright Laboratory gratefully acknowledges support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation; the Department of Energy, Office of Science, High Energy Physics and Nuclear Physics; the Heising-Simons Foundation; the Krell Institute; the National Science Foundation; and Yale University.