Allen Weeks Will Lead Electron Ion Collider Project

The Brookhaven National Laboratory appointment takes effect on September 28, 2026.

Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in Nuclear

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a circular particle collider ring, representing scientific leadership and complex infrastructure. — Brookhaven National Laboratory has appointed Allen Weeks to lead the Electron Ion Collider project, beginning his term on September 28, 2026. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Brookhaven National Laboratory has selected Allen Weeks to serve as the new project director for its Electron Ion Collider. He will officially assume his responsibilities for the facility on September 28, 2026.

Why it matters

The leadership transition comes as the project faces a rising price tag of $3.5 billion and prepares for major construction milestones. Weeks was chosen for his collaborative leadership style and extensive experience managing large-scale international scientific partnerships.

The Electron Ion Collider will feature a 2.4-mile circumference and is supported by $400 million from the Department of Energy and $100 million from New York State. The project currently involves the refurbishment of 400 quadrupole magnets.

The players

Allen Weeks

He is the incoming project director for the Electron Ion Collider and formerly served as director general of the Extreme Light Infrastructure.

Jim Yeck

He is the outgoing project director who will transition into a part-time advisory role after his retirement.

Brookhaven National Laboratory

This facility is a multidisciplinary research laboratory operated by the Department of Energy on Long Island.

Jefferson National Laboratory

Located in Virginia, this research center is serving as a key partner by providing technical staff and magnet refurbishment.

The details

Weeks replaces Jim Yeck, who will remain with the project as a part-time advisor following his retirement. The initiative, which will be built on the site of a former accelerator tunnel, currently relies on a partnership involving 100 full-time staff from the Jefferson National Laboratory.

September 28, 2026: Allen Weeks begins his term as project director.
Early 2027: Construction of the new accelerator is scheduled to commence.

Deeper Dive

The project repurposes the site of the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider to advance high-energy physics research. This development follows the scientific foundation laid by that institution to enable future discoveries.

The laboratory aims to reduce project expenses toward a $3 billion target as it advances toward construction. Successful implementation of this technology could eventually lead to breakthroughs in nuclear science and new material research applications.

The takeaway

The appointment of a new director marks a critical transition as the laboratory balances rising construction costs with complex international collaborations. Effective project management will be essential to keeping the facility on track for its decade-long completion goal.