Postdoctoral scholars are the lifeblood of any research institution. Too often, though, they work in relative anonymity before heading off to their own scientific careers across the country and around the world. The "Meet a Postdoc" video series turns some much-needed light on this important segment of Berkeley Lab's population and offers a chance to learn more about them as individuals while they are in our midst. The first subject in this series is Nick Norberg, with the Environmental Energy Technologies Division. 
George Smoot (center) of the Physics Division represented Berkeley Lab at the signing of an agreement with representatives of South Korea’s University of Incheon to explore the potential for joint scientific research in energy, biology, accelerators, cosmology, and space. The agreement calls for investigation of possible collaborations in which the University of Incheon would provide facilities and Berkeley Lab would provide research programs. More>
Science at the Theater: Biofuels Panel Discussion Tonight at 7 p.m.The fall series of Science at the Theater events kicks off tonight with a panel on biofuels moderated by John Fowler, health and science editor of KTVU. The three panelists are: Jay Keasling, acting deputy director of the Lab and head of the Joint BioEnergy Institute, Jim Bristow, deputy director of programs at the Joint Genome Institute and Susannah Green Tringe, a biophysicist at JGI. The event takes place at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre (2015 Addison St.) from 7 to 8:30 p.m. and is free and open to the public. More>
Year of Science: Microorganism Biodiversity Key to BiofuelsBiodiversity is a global issue of great importance and provides an indicator of the health of our planet. When it comes to biodiversity, microbes rule. From making possible the carbon cycle that feeds plants and produces oxygen, to fixing atmospheric nitrogen into a form the rest of us can use, to decomposing the dead, microbes perform the chemistry that is essential to existence. Without microbes doing what they do, Earth's ecosystems would collapse and its biosphere would die. More>
Serafin Colmenares, with the Lab’s Life Sciences Division, has won this year’s Runaround t-shirt design contest. "When I think of an early society that promoted physical well-being through sports and exercise, I often think of the ancient Greeks," explains Colmenares. "So I based my design on a picture I saw of ancient Greek pottery decorated with images of runners." Other employees who submitted designs include David Skinner, Rebecca Carpenter, Jim Morel, Melanie Woods, and Parisa Farvid. The annual fun race, in its 32nd year, takes place Friday, Oct. 9, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Onsite bus routes and schedules will be altered during this time.
Employee Activity: New Lab Philosophy Club Forms; First Meeting TomorrowWhat are philosophers of science saying about how scientists do their work and what it means? Are the philosophers even asking the right questions? What can scientists and philosophers learn from each other? A new Employee Activities Association-sponsored club to discuss questions like these will have its first meeting tomorrow from noon to 1 p.m. in the cafeteria. Attendees will discuss organization and topics for future meetings. For more information, contact Peter McCorquodale.
The next series of the Lab’s onsite Weight Watchers meetings starts on Wednesday at noon in Building 26. This time around, the cost has been reduced ($176) and the length of the session extended to 20 weeks. For more information, contact Cathy Wentworth (x5334 or x6266).
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