Lab Geologist to Talk
On Girls and Science

Torn

Berkeley Lab earth scientist Margaret Torn is among the panelists who will discuss the ongoing role that gender and gender expectations play in shaping women's aspirations, opportunities, and accomplishments at 6:30 p.m. next Tuesday in Alameda. The talk, "Women and Girls in Science, Math, and Technology," is sponsored by Girls Inc., a nonprofit organization that helps young females explore their potential, attend college, and build careers.

Lab 'Year of Physics'
Events on Web Site

Berkeley Lab's contributions to the celebration of the World Year of Physics have been assembled into a web site, which can be accessed here. The site features lectures, seminars, special events and educational programs and will be updated as activities and dates are added. Most are being sponsored by the Lab's Physics Division. In addition to a complete list of Summer Lectures, it includes upcoming special lectures by cosmic communications expert Chris Rose (July 25), movie special effects wizard Steve Wolf (Aug. 10) and fall appearances by Director Steve Chu and astrophysicist Saul Perlmutter.

Lab Bioscientist Knows
Patent Process Well
By Matt Krupnick

Mathies

Richard Mathies, a UC Berkeley professor and Berkeley Lab physical bioscientist, figures he has the hang of the U.S. patent system by now. The Moraga resident has about 30 patents in his name since 1990, meaning he has been involved in the approval process nearly continuously for the past 15 years. Although the University of California funds the process and lawyers help, Mathies says he has spent plenty of his own time and money finalizing each patent. Full story (registration required). A related article on how proposed new rules on the patent process (which features Mathies and colleague Carlos Bustamante) might affect research institutions is available here.

Change to Background Check Policy

Effective immediately, the Laboratory has revised RPM 2.01(D)(5) (Background Checks). The Department of Energy considers Berkeley Lab to be a "gateway" laboratory to the DOE system, and the proposed revised policy is consistent with expected DOE requirements.