January 2019 – July 2022
Berkeley Lab is among 30 recipients of $60.7 million in funding from DOE to advance the development of quantum computing and networking, from algorithms, programming languages, compilers, and debugging approaches to wide-area quantum networks that leverage existing fiber optic connections. https://cs.lbl.gov/news-media/news/2019/berkeley-lab-part-of-two-five-year-multi-million-dollar-quantum-computing-projects/
On Aug. 26, Energy Secretary Perry and Sandy Weill, founder of the Weill Family Foundation, signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formally initiate a partnership for artificial intelligence, neurological disorders, and related subjects. The signing took place at Lawrence Livermore National Lab. https://www.energy.gov/articles/secretary-perry-and-mr-sandy-weill-sign-mou-utilizing-doe-fueled-artificial-intelligence
A project led by Dan Arnold (ETA) will get $3 million to study battery storage systems that defend against attacks. And a project led by Sean Peisert (Computing Sciences) will receive $3 million to develop ways to detect cyberattacks against energy infrastructure while preserving anonymity of data. https://www.energy.gov/ceser/articles/department-energy-announces-awardees-30-million-research-call-enhance-cybersecurity
Berkeley Lab’s leaders recently delivered LBNL’s Annual Lab Plan to DOE leadership. The U.S. Senate confirmed a new director for DOE’s Office of Science. Congress is working toward an FY20 budget. Read Lab Director Mike Witherell’s thoughts on these changes and more in a State of the Lab interview. https://stratcomm-elements.lbl.gov/?p=255&preview=true
Watch Lab Director Mike Witherell’s State of the Lab town hall on Monday, August 19 in which he discussed the Lab’s future directions and challenges and answered questions from the audience. Watch the replay. LDAP login required. https://streaming.lbl.gov/video-library
DOE Office of Science Director Chris Fall, center, toured the ALS, the Molecular Foundry, and other Lab sites on the first day of his two-day visit to the Lab. From extreme UV to hard x-rays, he saw how ALS research drives scientific advances. See the Lab’s Twitter account for more details. https://twitter.com/BerkeleyLab/status/1163584606177640453?s=20
Chris Fall, director of DOE’s Office of Science, is visiting Berkeley Lab today and tomorrow. After a welcome from Lab leadership, he’ll meet with scientists representing a wide range of the Lab’s research capabilities and tour several user facilities. More in Elements later this week. https://www.energy.gov/contributors/dr-chris-fall
As part of the 150th anniversary of the periodic table, DOE Under Secretary for Science Paul Dabbar shares his love for Californium, which can be used to find oil and gas drilling locations, discover precious metals, and enable the search for new elements. https://twitter.com/ScienceUnderSec/status/1161317418100240385
As part of DOE’s “Women@Energy” series, Laleh Coté, Berkeley Lab’s internship coordinator in Workforce Development & Education, discusses what inspired her to work in STEM, ways to encourage underrepresented groups to pursue a STEM education, and tips for those who want to work in STEM. https://www.energy.gov/articles/women-energy-laleh-cot
Berkeley Lab earth scientist Charuleka Varadharajan and physicist Peter Sorenson have been selected by DOE’s Office of Science for Early Career Research Awards. The awards come with significant funding for research. https://newscenter.lbl.gov/2019/08/01/two-berkeley-lab-researchers-receive-doe-early-career-research-awards/