LLNL Director Kim Budil elected as a 2025 AAAS fellow

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) Director Kim Budil has been elected as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), a global organization dedicated to advancing science, engineering and innovation for the benefit of all.

Recognized for her national laboratory leadership and professional activities to promote science, Budil joins a class of 449 fellows across 24 AAAS disciplines. AAAS began honoring fellows with this lifetime recognition in 1874.

“I’m deeply honored by this recognition,” Budil said. “I’ve had the privilege of building my scientific career here at LLNL alongside incredible colleagues who push the frontiers of science and engineering every day, and this recognition honors them and the Lab. I’m proud to be a part of the AAAS community and the mission to advance science in service to the nation and the world.”

Budil serves as the 13th director of LLNL, where she sets the strategic vision and guides the successful execution of programs and operations to advance scientific leadership in strategic areas and enhance national security. She leads the development and implementation of the Laboratory’s scientific vision, goals and objectives and serves as the Laboratory’s highest-level liaison with the Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration, the LLNS Board of Governors, the University of California and other government, public and private organizations. Budil leads a workforce of approximately 9,000 employees and manages an annual operating budget in excess of $3.25 billion.

Budil holds a Ph.D. in engineering and applied science from the University of California, Davis, where she was a Hertz Fellow, and a B.S. in physics from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is a member of the National Academy of Engineering. She currently serves on several boards and participates in numerous professional and community outreach activities.

“This year’s AAAS Fellows have demonstrated research excellence, made notable contributions to advance science, and delivered important services to their communities,” said Sudip S. Parikh, AAAS chief executive officer and executive publisher of the Science family of journals. “These Fellows and their accomplishments validate the importance of investing in science and technology for the benefit of all.”