The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has awarded the distinction of Fellow to 486 of its members this year. These individuals were recognized for their efforts toward advancing science applications that are deemed scientifically or socially distinguished. Six Berkeley Lab researchers were among the list this year: Michael Zisman with the Accelerator and Fusion Research Division (not pictured), and (clockwise from left) Steven Brenner, Jennifer Doudna, Graham Fleming, and Susan Marqusee, all with the Physical Biosciences Division, and Xiang Zhang, with Materials Sciences (not pictured).
In The News: Bay Area Claims New Synthetic Biology Crown[San Francisco Business Times] The promise of synthetic biology — key to developing inexpensive biofuels, whipping up computer-generated foods or unleashing tumor-targeted drugs — is driving scientists to set up a sort of biological parts production shop in the Bay Area. The so-called Biofab would be the world’s first facility for producing standardized life forms that could be used as platforms for more complex systems. “This is a huge opportunity,” said Berkeley Lab Physical Biosciences Division Director Jay Keasling. “This Biofab takes synthetic biology to a whole new level.” More>
In 2006, Senate Bill 1629 was signed into law, removing contracting barriers that hamper or prevent the state from utilizing the technological capabilities and expertise of the federal labs in California. Berkeley Lab Sponsored Projects Manager Jeff Weiner has since worked with Livermore and Sandia Labs and the DOE Berkeley Site Office to create a model agreement that facilitates the implementation of Bill 1629. The final version of the contract was agreed to on Dec 12, and should be posted online soon. For more information, contact Weiner.
Construction: Traffic Interruption For Crane Work Near Guest House MondayTo accommodate a crane that will be hoisting walls to the third level of the Guest House now under construction, the portion of Lawrence Road in front to the site will be reduced to one lane. At times, flaggers will stop traffic flow in both directions for intervals lasting no more than five minutes. Drivers are urged to use caution when traversing this area, and pedestrians should use marked crosswalks and directional signs. The project should be complete by 2 p.m.
Site Access: Return Employee/Guest Badges Berkeley Lab ID badges must be returned when an employee terminates employment or a guest appointment ends. Employees must return their badge, parking permit, keys, dosimetry badges, etc., at their exit interview. Guests must submit their badges and parking permits to their supervisor or host, divisional or HR contact, the Site Access Office (Bldg. 65A) or a return box, located near the Bldg. 65 bus stop, the ALS reception area, or Bldg. 62/66. Guests who have already left the Lab can mail their badges. Failure to return badges jeopardizes future access. Call x4855 for more information.
Shuttle Bus: Schedule Adjusted for Dec. 23 and Jan. 2Due to the holiday break, the Lab’s shuttle service will alter its schedules on Tuesday, Dec. 23 and Friday, Jan. 2 (see below). Regular bus service will resume on Monday, Jan. 5.
Tuesday, Dec. 23: Final Departures From the Hill:
Building 65: 6:05 p.m. for the Blue Route; 5:40 p.m. for Rockridge Route
Building 62/66: 5:57 p.m. for the Orange Route
Potter St: 5:25 p.m.
JBEI: 5:35 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 2: Limited Service
Blue Route: Every 10 minutes from BART to Bldg. 65, from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Onsite Shuttle: Departing Bldg. 65 every 10 minutes from 6:30 a.m. to 5:50 p.m. with stops at Bldgs. 90, 50/70, 46, 52, 26, 69, 77, 62/66, 74 (light signal), 48, 54, and 90.
No Orange, Green, Rockridge, Potter/JBEI or LabPorter shuttles.
Effective immediately, the Lab has implemented its revised compensation policy. RPM Chapter 2.06 was revised to consolidate compensation policies into one location, and update or remove obsolete language, procedures, and non-policy verbiage. This policy applies to non-represented employees only. Represented employees should contact their union representative or consult their collective bargaining agreement.