Message from Carol
Dear Colleagues:
With the rapid changes occurring across the federal system and likely changes in the national lab system, I know that many of you may be feeling unsettled. That is understandable.
As our environment evolves, I continue to feel confident that Berkeley Lab has a strong role to play in DOE’s missions. Our depth and breadth of knowledge and skill continue to ensure our relevance and value to the nation and to the world. Our assets (including our user facilities and centers) are of critical importance to our nation’s goals, many of which continue to be reinforced by DOE, including AI, microelectronics, quantum, biosecurity, and geothermal sources of fuel, with other new areas of interest still emerging. I believe that we are well-positioned to pursue many of these new opportunities. We have time and again proven ourselves to be agile and flexible, with an ability to recognize what is being asked of us, and to come up with creative yet practical approaches to the science challenges of the day.
Another key characteristic at the Lab that will continue to stand us in good stead is our team science culture. It is in our DNA to partner with others in the science ecosystem, from government agencies to research institutions to industry. In this issue of Research News, you’ll find some stories about collaboration: a Q&A with Gail Chen from the Strategic Partnerships Office about industry partnerships, a story about how the Quantum Systems Accelerator and the Advanced Quantum Testbed are partnering with industry, and a discussion with the Development Office about the Lab’s process for engaging with philanthropists and foundations.
I encourage you to continue to seek and nurture these partnerships, collaborations, and opportunities for leadership. In a fluid environment, we continue to be steadfast in delivering on our mission to deliver science solutions to the world. We can only do this by continuing to engage, demonstrate our relevance and unique strengths, and bring our best to the table.
I appreciate the talent and passion you all have for our mission every day. Thank you for your commitment and hard work.
Sincerely,
Carol Burns
Deputy Laboratory Director for Research
Chief Research Officer
3Q4 Gail Chen: Industry Partnerships Help Advance Research at Berkeley Lab
Berkeley Lab has a long history of working with industry on research. Gail Chen, the partnerships and proposals program manager in the Strategic Partnerships Office (SPO), facilitates connections with potential partners by matching their interest areas with Lab capabilities. She shares some thoughts about the different ways in which researchers at the Lab partner with industry.
What You Should Know about Philanthropy at the Lab
While most of the Lab’s research funding comes from federal resources, philanthropy has long played a role in funding priority projects at the Lab. Two entities at the Lab help facilitate this process, the Office of the Chief Development Officer (OCDO) and the Berkeley Lab Foundation (BLF).
Accelerating Quantum Computing through Collaborations with Industry
Quantum computing is a large-scale challenge that requires the contributions of all sectors — government agencies, research institutions, and the private sector. At Berkeley Lab, quantum computing researchers at the Quantum Systems Accelerator and the Advanced Quantum Testbed are collaborating with industry to advance the field. QSA’s Bert De Jong and AQT’s Chris Spitzer discuss how these mutually beneficial collaborations advance research and development, train a workforce for the quantum sector, and build important capabilities for the Lab’s future.
NEED TO KNOW
Research Security Training Requirement, Effective May 1
Starting May 1, 2025, employees in science and research roles are required to take a new training course, Research Security at Berkeley Lab (LDAP required). The course fulfills the training requirements of the CHIPS and Science Act and National Security Presidential Memorandum-33 for covered individuals applying for federal research funding, including funding from DOE. Employees will be required to certify that they have taken this training prior to submitting a proposal for federal funding.
Employees will receive an email notification from the UC Learning Management System (LMS) and will complete training in UC LMS. Topics include: an overview of research security, international collaboration, disclosure, information and data security, elicitation, talent recruitment programs and Malign Foreign Talent Recruitment Programs, and international travel. This course should take 30 to 40 minutes to complete and will be reassigned every two years.
Register now for Restricted Party Screening (RPS) Training April 24
The Export Compliance Office is offering its annual Restricted Party Screening (RPS) training on Thursday, April 24, at 10:00 a.m. This essential session is required for all new Visual Compliance users and is open to researchers and other staff looking to better understand RPS and its impact at Berkeley Lab.
RPS is critical to research security and export compliance, helping to protect sensitive work by screening individuals and organizations against U.S. and international restricted party lists. For researchers, this means safer collaborations, fewer compliance risks, and stronger protection of Berkeley Lab’s integrity. RPS isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a strategic safeguard for the credibility and continuity of our research enterprise.
Register now to see how RPS supports secure, responsible research. For more details, view the FAQs.
Disclose Software Developed at the Lab to the Intellectual Property Office
Do you plan to distribute software you developed outside the Lab? Per DOE policy, all software must be formally reported before you distribute it to anyone outside of Berkeley Lab or DOE, even if it is to be distributed for free. If you think you might want to distribute your software outside of the Lab, even if you only plan to share the software with other academic institutions, please contact the Intellectual Property Office at ipo@lbl.gov.
Generally, software should be reported when it is 80% complete, a few months before completion of the software, or as soon thereafter as possible. A software disclosure and abstract should be submitted at https://ipo.lbl.gov/disclosesoftware/. If your project requires that you incorporate third-party software, be sure to document where you obtained the code and what legal terms apply to its use (i.e. download and keep a copy of the software license). You should also keep records of all individuals who wrote the code and what funding supported its development.
GOOD TO KNOW
Register Now for LabTech
Registration is open for LabTech, a free, annual event for Berkeley Lab staff and friends focused on computing and technology for science and operations. Hosted by the IT Division, LabTech features technical tutorials, interactive discussions, networking opportunities, demonstrations, and more. From collaboration and productivity tools to high-performance computing and scientific software, everyone will find a topic of interest! This hybrid (Zoom and in-person) event is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, May 20, in Building 50 at Berkeley Lab. Click here to register for the event.
Career Pathways Resources
Looking for career development resources? The Career Pathways Office (CPO) is offering the following resources in the near future:
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Just-in-time Mentoring, a speed mentoring event that allows employees to meet multiple mentors in a short time. The next event will be on May 6. Find out more.
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Training for mentors and mentees in May, July, and October. Register for the May 29 workshop, “Setting and Meeting Goals”. For the July and October workshops, look for registration announcements via email and through Elements.
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SLAM, a science communication contest in which contestants are challenged to present a compelling three-minute presentation of their research in a language appropriate to a non-specialist audience. Submit your intent to apply by May 30.
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Additional webinars and training can be found on the CPO website.
