Outside professional activities of Lab research staff enrich our culture and research and advance the scientific and technological knowledge transfer. That said, they have always been subject to further consideration by the Department of Energy, especially when they concern foreign government-sponsored activities. Here is a brief primer on our policies that you need to know.
Conflict of Interest Policies
Our Conflict of Interest Policies regulate how such activities are handled at the Lab. Any compensated professional activity outside of Berkeley Lab needs to be declared and reviewed in accordance with our Outside Employment and Consulting Policy.
Policy Changes for Foreign Government-Sponsored and -Affiliated Activities
Policy changes implemented by the Department of Energy last year expand on these regulations when it comes to foreign government-sponsored or -affiliated activities. Whether they are compensated for these activities or not, employees are prohibited from engaging or participating in outside activities that are funded, sponsored, or supported by a foreign government talent recruitment program of a country of risk. In addition to government talent recruitment programs, other foreign government- sponsored or -affiliated activities (whether they are compensated or uncompensated) with countries of risk are now also restricted and require an exception by the DOE to be pursued.
Report your Outside Activities
To report and declare any planned activities that fall under our policies, foreign or domestic, visit the Lab’s Conflict of Interest webpage. If you are not sure if these policies apply to you, or you have any questions about the process, contact coi@lbl.gov.
Failing to declare activities, in particular concerning activities in foreign countries of risk, can have serious consequences. In the past few months, a number of researchers from other institutions have been charged by federal prosecutors for undeclared relationships with foreign countries of risk.
