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Monday, August 18, 2008


People: Steve Chu Joins Bill Clinton, Other Luminaries at Energy Summit

The National Clean Energy Summit, taking place in Nevada today and tomorrow, brings together industry leaders, scientists and policy experts to define an agenda that accelerates the development of renewable energy, energy-efficiency technologies and robust clean energy markets throughout the nation and world. The Summit's objective is to define consensus ideas and principles that participants can carry to the parties' political conventions and into the next Administration. Among the scheduled speaker are Berkeley Lab Director Steve Chu, former president Bill Clinton and New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. More>


YouTube Feature: All Summer Lecture Videos Now Available Online

From parallel computing and x-ray light sources to scientific visualization and anthropogenic influences on climate, this year’s summer lecture series offered talks on a variety of research topics, presented in lay terms by Lab scientists. While the series is now complete, those who missed the lectures, or would like to view them again, can by accessing the Lab’s YouTube site.


tabl imagePurchasing Event: Lab Vendors Showcase Products on Thursday

Representatives from Lab vendors, including Newark In One, Pacific Supply and Safety, MDC, and MBAR, will host a product fair on Thursday, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside Building 7. Food and refreshments will be served. More> 



Human Resources: New Work Deferment Policy Is Now In Effect

Effective immediately, the Lab has implemented the Work Deferment Policy in RPM §2.29.  In circumstances when funding is limited for a temporary period of time, this new policy would provide an alternative strategy to avoid permanent layoffs.  The policy allows for temporary work deferment or temporary reduction in time as an option.  Such arrangements can retain the valuable skills of existing employees while responding to short-term critical budget or work shortage issues.  The Lab has also made clarification changes to the Severance Policy in §RPM 2.22.  These policies apply to non-represented employees only.  Represented employees should contact their union representative or consult their collective bargaining agreement.


Health Note: Be Careful When Participating in Water Recreation

The Lab’s Health Care Facilitator urges staff to use caution when heading to the water to beat the summer heat. Drowning is the second leading cause of accidental death for people between the ages of five and 24.  Most water-related accidents can be avoided by swimming in places that are supervised by a lifeguard and diving only in areas that are known to be safe.  Remember to reapply sunscreen frequently, and never drink alcohol when participating in water recreation.