January 2019 – July 2022
A one-time, short online training course is now required for Lab employees planning to drive a government motor vehicle, including low-speed electric vehicles such as GEMs and Club Cars. Effective July 11, you must complete training prior to the next time you use a government vehicle. https://facilities.lbl.gov/service/fleet-vehicles/fleet-vehicle-safety/
Part of Berkeley Lab’s mission is our commitment to open science. We openly share our research, methods, and data so that other researchers can build on our work. Our new research data policy provides a Lab-wide framework for research data ownership, management, and sharing. https://research.lbl.gov/2022/05/27/a-research-data-policy-for-berkeley-lab/
The University of California Office of the President invites a second round of comments on a proposed Presidential Policy on Abusive Conduct in the Workplace. The proposed policy covers abusive conduct and retaliation by and against members of the University and Berkeley Lab community. https://hr.lbl.gov/2022/05/03/second-comment-period-abusive-conduct-in-the-workplace-policy/
Face covers will continue to be required on Lab shuttles while the Lab waits for further guidance from health authorities. Please be courteous to drivers and other passengers and continue to wear face covers.
The Lab’s IDEA office has published the IDEA Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) handbook designed to assist PIs in developing DEI plans that are robust and evidence-based and increase the chances of favorable funding outcomes in proposals. Watch for upcoming sessions on how to use the handbook. https://lbl.us19.list-manage.com/track/click?u=762dcb54f0676d8983cb48562&id=ce443be585&e=f5c55799c1
As of March 14, the Lab returned to its pre-pandemic processes for all business and conference travel for those following Protocol A. No approvals will be required from DOE or the Chief Operating Officer, and the WPC is not required. Those in Protocol B have steps to follow. Read more. https://ocfo.lbl.gov/service/travel/know-before-you-go/
Export control is not always at the top of our minds, yet it is an increasingly important topic for universities and science laboratories. Watch this 25-minute video about export controls, when to seek help, and the resources that are available to you. https://research.lbl.gov/2022/03/12/export-control-general-awareness-training-is-now-available/
The Research Compliance Office (RCO) has a new website: rco.lbl.gov. The RCO covers research ethics, scientific conduct, conflicts of interest, and supports name changes on research outputs. A new page on research security includes guidance for those engaged in international collaboration. https://rco.lbl.gov/
DOE has approved the implementation of new masking guidance for the national labs. Effective immediately, indoor masks are voluntary for all people regardless of their COVID vaccination status (vaccinated and unvaccinated). Review all the details here. https://covid.lbl.gov/home/leadership-messages/march-9-covid-masking-requirements-change
Per federal mask mandates, the Lab will continue to require masks indoors for everyone at this time. The DOE requires that our local community, Alameda County, remain at the moderate transmission risk level for two consecutive weeks before the Lab can discontinue its indoor mask requirement. https://sites.google.com/lbl.gov/2021-covid-19-information/home/leadership-messages/feb-14-lab-required-to-follow-federal-mask-mandates