Since March, Berkeley Lab has been a key participant in the National Virtual Biotechnology Laboratory (NVBL), a consortium of Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratories with core capabilities relevant to the threats posed by COVID-19. Through the NVBL, we’ve built new research capabilities in a very short period of time, many of which have long-term benefits for our DOE mission research.
The Advanced Biofuels and Bioproducts Process Development Unit (ABPDU) is conducting COVID-19-related work at the Lab, as are many Areas and Divisions.
To leverage these new capabilities as well as our core strengths, the Lab has embarked on the development of an inclusive, multi-Area strategy for research of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and COVID-19 disease. The goal is to identify research thrusts across the Lab that can be mobilized for SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 research in the event that DOE issues additional funding, as well as to understand how those capabilities can benefit our long-term mission research. A steering committee composed of members from across the Lab has been tasked with leading the strategic planning activities.
In support of this planning activity, the steering committee recently collected a wide range of ideas across the scientific Areas at the lab, via an online survey. These results are now being tabulated and integrated into the planning process. Look for future communications about the Lab’s SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 research strategy. Contact Katy Christiansen with any questions.