The Department of Energy’s overarching mission is to advance the national, economic and energy security of the United States; to promote scientific and technological innovation in support of that mission; and to ensure the environmental cleanup of the national nuclear weapons complex. The Department’s four strategic goals encompass defense, energy, environment and science.
As a part of the Department of Energy, the Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States. It oversees and is the principal federal funding agency of the Nation’s research programs in high energy physics, nuclear physics, and fusion energy sciences. In addition, the Office of Science manages fundamental research programs in basic energy sciences, biological and environmental research, and advanced scientific computing research. The Office of Science also promotes workforce development by sponsoring programs that support the scientific advancement of students and educators.
The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) prepared a document, “Science for the 21st Century” outlining the Administration’s plan for research and development. Four major responsibilities addressed in the report are:
Promote discovery and sustain the excellence of the nation's scientific research enterprise
Respond to the nation's complex, critical challenges with timely, innovative approaches
Invest in and accelerate the transformation of science into national benefits
Achieve excellence in science and technology education and workforce development
The above links provide details about how the Office of Science demonstrates its commitment to the responsibilities outlined in "Science for the 21st Century".