A researcher with the Materials Sciences Division was happy to get a dual cart to transport gas cylinders, which he received at no cost from the Lab’s excess and salvage program. However, it was later learned that this cart had previously caused injury, which may have been why it was discarded in the first place. Lesson learned? Clearly mark any items given to excess that may pose a safety hazard to future users.
Go to OurSafety for more on the Lab's safety efforts.
Award: Wang Team Wins Gordon Bell Prize A team of scientists from Berkeley Lab’s Computational Research Division, led by Lin-Wang Wang (left), won a prestigious ACM Gordon Bell Prize for Algorithm Innovation for developing the Linearly Scaling 3D Fragment (LS3DF) Method, which was used to predict the energy harnessing efficiency of nanostructures that can be used in solar cell design. The prize, presented in a special category for algorithm innovation, was announced yesterday at the awards session of the SC08 conference in Austin, TX. More>
Commuting: Offer Your Feedback on Getting to and From WorkIs the Lab shuttle too crowded? Can’t find onsite parking for your car? Want to try carpooling? Staff are invited to offer feedback on commuting to and from the Lab by taking a three-minute survey sponsored by the Facilities Division and Community Relations. Answers to the survey are anonymous, but over 120 prizes and rewards will be given to a random selection of responders (those who respond first will receive the highest value rewards). Prizes include a family membership to the Chabot Space and Science Center, a $25 BART ticket, and 10 rides on AC Transit. The survey will be available until Friday, Dec 5.
DOE: Staff Invited to Take Survey of Employee Concerns ProgramThe Department of Energy has launched a survey of DOE and contractor employees to assess the effectiveness of its Employee Concerns Programs. The survey measures awareness of the program, whether staff are encouraged to raise concerns, and satisfaction with concern resolution. The Employee Concerns Program at Berkeley Lab is coordinated by the Research and Institutional Integrity Office (RIIO) and includes such resources as the LBNL hotline, [email protected], and the Ombuds Office. The survey is voluntary, takes about 10-15 minutes, and closes on Dec. 1. Contact RIIO (x5820) for more information and to receive hard copies of the survey.
In anticipation of the Thanksgiving holiday, the Lab’s shuttle bus services will alter final departure times on Wednesday, Nov. 26 as follows:
Building 65: 6 p.m. for the Blue Route;
5:45 p.m. for Rockridge Route
Building 62/66: 5:52 p.m. for the Orange Route
Potter St: 5:25 p.m.
JBEI: 5:35 p.m.
The Philanthropy Club is hosting a visit by the American Red Cross Bloodmobile today until 1 p.m. in the cafeteria parking lot. Go here to make an appointment (sponsor code is LBL). Donation rules have changed recently, so those who were previously rejected for donations may now be eligible.
Berkeley Lab is beginning the formal review and employee comment period for the proposed policy on re-employment of UC retired employees. The policy governs the re-employment of all former UC employees who have separated from University or Laboratory employment and elected monthly retirement income or a lump-sum cash-out from the University of California Retirement Plan (UCRP), and who are rehired by the University or the Laboratory. More information on this policy is available here. To comment on this change, contact [email protected] by Sunday.