NNSA will blend science, security to 'push barriers�
When Gen. John Gordon, administrator for the National Nuclear Security
Administration (NNSA), spoke at the Science Day celebration, he used his
chance to speak to "a captive audience" of Lab employees, managers,
scientists and engineers about the creation and future of the NNSA.
"NNSA is only about a year old now," Gordon began, "but
in that short time, we’ve seen a real turn-around in how we feel
about our work and our labs. We’re excited about where we are, and
we’re excited about where we’re going."
He noted the new five-year budget plan and expressed optimism for the
primary projects at all NNSA labs. "We’ve seen an increase in
confidence in NIF and stockpile stewardship, and the new UC contract has
been strengthened to benefit all organizations.
"Although some of the morale problems have been stemmed, we must
recognize that security, recruitment and retention issues are not squared
yet," Gordon stated.
He assured the Lab population that NNSA is taking "a hard look at
security to get it right." Furthermore, Gordon rejected the idea
that the labs should "balance" science and security, implying
a compromise for both issues. Instead, he said, scientists and security
experts must collaborate so that both missions operate at optimum levels.
"Scientists who push the envelope are really what we’re all
about," Gordon remarked. "We must reach out across any barriers
to enrich the lives and careers of those who work for us. They are a vital
national asset."
Gordon addressed goals in lab workforce diversity, and said the national
labs should be "a beacon for diversity, where any American would
want to work for NNSA."
Concluding with a pledge to all NNSA scientists, Gordon said, "There
will be no new barriers or walls to collaboration, and we will still maintain
security."