Energy department releases inaugural report on state of the National Labs

U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz announced this week the publication of the first ever State of the Department of Energy (DOE) National Laboratories Report.

The report concludes that increased investments in the National Labs and efforts to improve relationships between the labs and DOE have boosted the labs’ effectiveness.

The report also highlights the labs’ accomplishments and capabilities, evaluates changes DOE has made in the past year in its management and coordination with the labs, and outlines strategies for continued American leadership in science and technology.

“Our National Lab system is an enduring science and technology powerhouse comprised of more than 20,000 scientists and engineers who deliver new discoveries and provide world-class technological capabilities,” Moniz said. “This report makes clear that the state of our National Lab system is strong, and that it has become stronger in recent years. This report also provides a roadmap to continue supporting American leadership in science and technology in our labs and beyond.”

The report’s findings and recommendations were organized into six categories: Recognizing Value, Rebuilding Trust, Maintaining Alignment and Quality, Maximizing Impact, Managing Effectiveness and Efficiency, and Ensuring Lasting Change

The report also provides information on the accomplishments and capabilities of each of the 17 National Labs, outlines the DOE’s management model for the labs, and explains the history of the labs.

DOE prepared the report in answer to the Congressionally-mandated Commission to Review the Effectiveness of the National Energy Laboratories.