Earlier today, the University of California signed a one-year
contract extension to continue managing the Lawrence Berkeley
National Laboratory.
I have long been proud of the work of the nation’s
first national laboratory. Signing today’s extension
allows UC to continue its strong tradition of managing one
of the University’s -- and the country’s -- scientific
jewels.
The work you are doing at Berkeley Lab is tremendously important
to UC, the broader scientific community, California, and our
nation. You are on the leading edge of solving some of the
most important scientific and engineering challenges that
we face. In addition, the research and educational mission
of Berkeley Lab has led to strong partnerships with the UC
campuses and many other educational institutions, expanding
the circle of those who benefit directly from the excellence
of this laboratory’s programs.
This contract extension allows the University to continue
managing the laboratory through January 31, 2005 while the
Department of Energy plans for and conducts a competition.
The final decision regarding whether UC will enter into the
competition is expected to be made by the UC Board of Regents
after DOE releases its request for proposals. I know the Regents
are very mindful of the close, unique ties of Berkeley Lab
to the Berkeley campus and a growing number of other UC campuses.
The Regents will make their decision with a clear understanding
of that historic relationship. The University continues to
prepare as if we will compete, and if the Regents indeed authorize
our participation in the competition, I assure you that we
will do so aggressively.
As we move toward decisions by both the Regents and the Department
of Energy, I ask that you continue to remain focused on your
work and the mission at the laboratory. I know that many of
you will have questions and concerns about the competition
process. As I mentioned in one of my earlier communications
to you, I have set up an e-mail account through which you
can submit questions to me. While I cannot respond personally
to every e-mail, I promise that I will read each one submitted
and will respond, in future communications, to the broad concerns
and suggestions being expressed. To submit an email to me,
visit Dynes' Desk at www.universityofcalifornia.edu/president/desk.html.
Sincerely,
Robert C. Dynes
President, University of California
CALENDAR
