Lab and VSM Join Forces to Develop MEG/MRI Technology

By combining Berkeley Lab’s ultra-low field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and their own magnetoencephalography (MEG) technology, VSM MedTech Ltd. has begun development of a revolutionary hybrid system capable of combined anatomical and functional imaging of the brain and in utero fetus. Go here to read VSM’s press release.

University of California
Appeal Rejected by Court

The 1st District Court of Appeals in San Francisco rejected Tuesday an appeal by the University of California of a ruling that forces it to disclose the financial performance of the venture capital investments that UC makes on behalf of retirees. The Coalition of Union Employees and the Mercury News had sued UC's governing board, known as the Regents, arguing that state employees and taxpayers have a right to the performance information and that disclosure ensures accountability. Full story.

Keep Tabs on Chat or
IM Sessions at Work

Many Lab employees participate in chat or IM (Instant Messaging) sessions as part of their job. But these staff are cautioned to closely monitor transactions on these systems. The subject matter can, without a participant’s knowledge, switch to one that is explicit in nature, or they can unknowingly be linked to pornographic websites. It is the responsibility of the Lab employee to immediately terminate the session, in compliance with Section 9 of the Lab’s RPM. Continuing the session constitutes consent to participate and will result in a violation notification sent to both the offender and their supervisor.

Berkeley Chancellor to
Step Down Next June

	Berdahl

Robert Berdahl yesterday announced he would step down as chancellor of UC Berkeley in June 2004. During his tenure, he oversaw an unprecedented rebuilding of the campus, returned the university's library to national preeminence, reorganized campus leadership to improve undergraduate education, and raised private giving to the highest level in UC Berkeley's history. Go here to read the UC Berkeley press release.

Fernandez is Interim
Financial Services Chief

Fernandez

Deputy Director for Operations Sally Benson has announced that Jeffrey A. Fernandez has temporarily joined Berkeley Lab as Interim Chief Financial Officer. Fernandez, who joined the Lab yesterday, currently serves as Deputy CFO at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where he has worked since 1983. Benson introduced Fernandez this week to an all-hands meeting of the Financial Services Division, calling him “well-qualified to lead us through a time of transition in this critically important area.” Fernandez pledged to” build on all the hard work that everyone is already doing.” Read the Oct. 3 edition of The View for more about Fernandez and the Financial Services Department.

Reminder About Lab
Traffic Regulations

Did you know the maximum speed limit on roads at the Lab is 25 miles per hour, that in-line skating is not permitted on the premises, or that operators of Lab-furnished vehicles must pay for any tickets they receive? Go here to read more about the Lab’s traffic policies.