Department of Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman lauded the scientific excellence of the Laboratory during an all-employee talk last Friday in the Administration Building Auditorium at Technical Area 3. Bodman was making his first visit to Los Alamos since being named DOE chief earlier this month. Bodman also toured several Laboratory facilities and received briefings about Lab programs. His talk will be rebroadcast this week on LABNET Channel 10.
With great science comes great responsibility
Bodman “in awe” of Lab’s scientific excellence
Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman, in his first visit to Los Alamos, was both complementary of Lab staff and upbeat about its future at a talk last Friday in the Administration Building Auditorium at Technical Area 3.
“I consider it an extraordinary personal and professional honor to be here with you. I am in awe of the scientific excellence and historic significance Los Alamos presents,” Bodman said, shortly after he was introduced by New Mexico Sen. Pete Domenici.
Pausing several times to wait for the applause to subside, Bodman also stressed that employees embody both vast opportunity and great responsibility.
Stating that he was influenced by the book “The Making of the Atomic Bomb” by Richard Rhodes long before he was appointed Secretary of Energy, Bodman was struck by Niels Bohr’s assertion that “science has consequences.”
“While science can be miraculously positive – saving lives, improving our health and economy, it has consequences. There is a public trust that our nation places in our scientists. You have an enormous burden that you share with your predecessors,” reminded Bodman.
While he acknowledged the vital role the Lab plays in enhancing national security, non-proliferation, computing and health as well as in overcoming environmental challenges, he also cautioned employees to remain vigilant in protecting sensitive information.
“Never lapse into complacency. Complacency is the enemy of safety,” he said.
The culmination of his message was summarized in one simple statement:
“You cannot separate scientific excellence from security and safety.”
Bodman remained quite gracious throughout the talk, even saying that it was not random that he has come to New Mexico on his first visit. Referring to the scientists here at Los Alamos, Bodman stated, “You are the true explorers of our society. That is how I see you.”
Possessing a doctorate in chemical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Bodman felt at home with the audience. “I would like to think I have retained the perspective of an engineer,” he said.
During his talk he urged employees to “view me as one of your colleagues.” He also emphasized that he values employees’ input and would like to hear from them directly – he even gave his e-mail address.
While still extremely positive about his opinion of Los Alamos, Bodman admitted that the Lab continues to confront challenges and, again, urged continued vigilance in safety and security.
He also acknowledged the frustration and uneasiness that employees are feeling in light of current events, admitting that he is the fourth Secretary of Energy to speak to Lab employees in recent times.
Although stating upfront that he would not comment on the contract, Bodman did make some general statements. Referring to the RFP process and contractor selection, he said
“I commit to you that I will do everything in my power to ensure you receive proper treatment and credit.”
He later added, “The goal here is to treat you fairly. You are dealing with people of good faith who are trying to do right by you.”
Bodman also mentioned the possibility of a contract extension for UC beyond [Sept. 30] to offer a transition period for Lab employees to make decisions. He encouraged employees to “wait and see what the data [is] – then do what is in your families’ best interest.”
Commenting on the work stoppage last July as well as the current RFP and its impending impact on morale during the question and answer session, Domenici reminded employees that they have “benefits here like nowhere else in the country.” He urged staff to move past their grievances and focus on the future.
Also in attendance were NNSA Ambassador Linton F. Brooks, Lab Director Pete Nanos, M. Dianne Bodman and Nancy Domenici.
Bodman’s talk will be rebroadcast beginning today on LABNET Channel 10. Check the schedule for viewing times.
--Hildi T. Kelsey
George Havrilla, left, of Analytical Chemistry Sciences (C-ACS), explains the Confocal X-Ray Fluorescence Microscope technology to Department of Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman during a tour of the Laboratory's 2004 R&D 100 Award-winning technologies. Bodman's wife, M. Dianne Bodman, and Laboratory Director Pete Nanos also listen as Havrilla explained how the telescope can take elemental depth profiles and three-dimensional elemental images of material composition. The microscope uses x-ray fluorescence to nondestructively measure concentrations of elements within a small area. The instrument could be used for crime scene evidence analysis, and the in situ analysis of fine-art paintings. Photos by LeRoy N. Sanchez, Public Affairs