[The Economist] In the opinion of many scientists, the stock of science had fallen in the government during George Bush’s two terms. But it is rising now. The appointments of Berkeley Lab Director Steve Chu (far right in illustration, click for larger version), Jane Lubchenco, John Holdren, Harold Varmus, and Eric Lander, all scientists, mark a shift in political attitudes towards scientific advice. Obama said that promoting science is not just about providing resources, but also about promoting free inquiry and listening to what scientists have to say, “especially when it is inconvenient.” More>
[California Magazine] A China-sized experiment in reducing energy use has grown out of a 20-year relationship between the Chinese government and Berkeley Lab. The Top-1000 Energy-Consuming Enterprises Program has a simple rationale: get companies to voluntarily use energy more efficiently and you get lower energy consumption, more profitable companies, less pollution, and fewer carbon emissions. The results, so far, are impressive. The program started in 2006, and if current trends continue, by 2010 it could keep 450 million tons of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. More>
The national celebration of the "Year of Science 2009" has its Bay Area kickoff on Sunday with a day of hands-on science activities in San Francisco and the debut of regional and institutional websites highlighting science news and a yearlong series of science events. UC Berkeley has launched its Science@Cal website. Berkeley Lab will feature related stories on its homepage in the coming months as well. A kick-off event takes place Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Crissy Field in San Francisco. More>
Employees are invited to the Lab’s Center for Science and Engineering Education (CSEE) Volunteer Recruitment Fair and Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream Social on Monday in Perseverance Hall. Between 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m., staff can learn more about CSEE
and its educational outreach programs and efforts to prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Ice cream prepared and cooled with liquid nitrogen will be offered to all. For more information, call x5511 or e-mail [email protected].
HR Benefits: Wednesday Workshop on Financial Organization Lab staff can attend a workshop sponsored by HR Benefits and the Berkeley Lab Institute on “Organizing Your Financial Life” Wednesday, Jan. 14, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in Bldg. 2-100B. Go here to register.