The threat of global warming can still be greatly diminished if nations cut emissions of heat-trapping greenhouse gases by 70 percent this century, according to a study led by scientists at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). While global temperatures would rise, the most dangerous potential aspects of climate change, including massive losses of Arctic sea ice and permafrost and significant sea level rise, could be partially avoided. NCAR used the National Energy Research Scientific Computing Center (NERSC), located at Berkeley Lab, for their simulations. More>
The University of California benefits Open Enrollment period starts today and continues through 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 24 (PT). Changes can be made on the "At Your Service" website. Some plans have had significant rate increases for 2010. The Lab’s HR Benefits group will conduct one-hour, online Open Enrollment webinars on Nov. 3 at 11 a.m., Nov. 5 at 9 a.m., Nov. 10 at 1 p.m., and Nov. 18 at 3 p.m. Registration is required (BLI0135). Each session is limited to 50 viewers. Participants will receive login information prior to their session. For questions, contact the HR Benefits Group (x 6403).
Stimulus: Small Businesses Benefit From Lab’s Recovery Act Funds As funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act start to flow into Berkeley Lab, much of that money is flowing out to small businesses. To date, the Lab has been awarded more than $220 million in Recovery Act funds, a large part of which will go toward infrastructure projects and buying and upgrading computers and scientific equipment, such as microscopes, lasers and gene sequencers. So far, $38.2 million in Recovery Act subcontracts have been awarded, of which 58 percent went to small businesses. That far exceeds the federal government’s goal for the Recovery Act of giving 23 percent of prime contracts to small firms. More>
Facilities: New Agreement Brings Apprentice Electricians to LabApprentice electricians will join Berkeley Lab’s Facilities Division as part of a historic agreement with the Alameda County Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee, sponsored by Local 595 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and the Northern California chapter of the National Electrical Contractors Association. The idea of the partnership "emerged from the recognition of the growing importance of green technology and science, and the need to train the future work force and contribute to the local community with employment." More>
Special Event: Briefing on Ways to Uncover, Prevent Financial FraudMore than 50 percent of financial fraud is uncovered by employees through observation, tips, or by accident. To learn more about identifying and preventing fraud, such as price-fixing and bid-rigging, staff are invited to attend a briefing on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Building 50 Auditorium. The briefing, hosted by the Lab's Office of the Chief Financial Officer, will be led by Niall Lynch with the U.S. Department of Justice. He prosecuted the case that was the subject of the recently released film "The Informant," starring Matt Damon. Registration is required (CFO-0503). Handouts will be provided for those who register. Contact Phil Weiss for more information.
With Thanksgiving and Christmas fast approaching, staff are encouraged to check out the Lab’s calendar to see which days are designated official holidays, administrative holidays, or vacation/leave without pay days. Staff can also scroll down to view the 2010 calendar. Go here to review the complete text of the Lab’s policy on holidays in the Regulations and Procedures Manual.
From a postdoc benefits orientation to a "Taking Charge of Your Financial Fitness" workshop, the HR Benefits department hosts a number of events to help staff manage their work and life. To assist in tracking upcoming events, the department produces a monthly calendar, and the November edition is now available.
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