Berkeley Lab has been awarded $8.6 million in American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) funding for “ambitious research projects that could fundamentally change the way the country uses and produces energy.” The money will go towards four separate projects: one that will speed the development of materials that can absorb carbon dioxide emitted from power plants, another that will use a common soil bacterium (pictured) to produce biofuels, and two that are aimed at developing new high-energy batteries for powering electric vehicles. More>
In an effort to get Environmental Energy Technologies Division staff away from their desks and interacting with each other, an “Energizer Committee” was created. The group’s first event was a book swap that took place in Building 90 last week. Nearly 100 employees participated, swapping about 300 books. “We absolutely plan on doing this again,” says committee member Lorraine Dowling. “Response was so positive that we've been asked to have the event every six months.”
Special Event: Molecular Foundry Distinguished Lecture Today The Molecular Foundry is hosting the next installment of their Distinguished Lecture Series today. Sharon Glotzer of the University of Michigan will discuss “Assembly Engineering” at 1:30 p.m. in the Building 66 Auditorium. Glotzer’s research areas include assembly of nanoscale systems, supercooled and metastable liquids, biomimetic materials design, and computer simulation.
Gmail users at the Lab experienced an intermittent outage last Friday at noon until yesterday at 10 a.m. The problem was caused by a hardware failure in a key piece of cyber security infrastructure, which inadvertently prevented access to Gmail. The failed hardware has been replaced and steps have been taken to prevent the problem from occurring again.
Getting ready for your annual performance review discussion? Whether you’re a supervisor or employee, the way you interact and convey your point of view can have a big impact on the overall conversation. In June and July, Berkeley Lab Learning Institute will offer a two-hour workshop that can help you make these discussions more meaningful. Participants will analyze video recordings of conversations, learn useful communication techniques, and practice interaction skills. Separate sessions are offered, with three dates to choose from for employees (BLI0147) and supervisors (BLI0148). Registration is required.
Wellness: May is National Stroke Awareness MonthThe Health Care Facilitator reminds employees that May is National Stroke Awareness Month. Strokes can happen to anyone, regardless of age, race or gender. The chances of having a stroke increase if a person has certain risk factors, or criteria that can cause a stroke. The good news is that up to 80 percent of strokes can be prevented. Lifestyle risk factors can often be changed, while medical risk factors can usually be treated. Both types can be managed best by working with a doctor, who can prescribe medications and advise on how to adopt a healthy lifestyle. More>
All employees are required to complete online training in UC Ethical Values and Conduct (non-research employees) or UC Ethical Values and Conduct, and Conflict of Interest for Researchers (research employees). The training is designed by UC to raise continued awareness of the University of California Statement of Ethical Values and Standards of Ethical Conduct. Employees should have received a personalized e-mail link, sent by [email protected], directing them to UC's online training vendor, SumTotal Systems. Those who need another copy of their e-mail, or want more information, contact the Research and Institutional Integrity Office.
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