Chief Scientist's Notes: Going Back to the Basics

NMT Chief Scientist K.C. Kim

The Science and Technology Panel of the University of California Presidentıs Council on the National Laboratories has the primary responsibility for assessing the quality of the science and technology (S&T) programs of this Laboratory. As a partial fulfillment of this responsibility, in October 1994, the Nuclear Materials Technology (NMT) Division had a very successful division review done by the Laboratory Director-appointed External Review Committee. The Committee highly praised NMT Division members' scientific and technical accomplishments during the review year. The Laboratory's goals include such phrases as "a world-class laboratory...where science makes a difference," and "science serving society." Now, The Secretary of Energy Task Force on Alternative Futures for the Department of Energy National Laboratories (The Galvin Committee) notes "the laboratories' research role is a part of an essential, fundamental cornerstone for continuing leadership by the United States." Clearly, the future emphasis will be on going back to the basics of doing science.

Figure 1. Publications by NMT Members (1993-1994).

When it comes to assessing scientific productivity, the most commonly applied metrics include patents filed, inventions disclosed, the quantity and quality of research papers published, citations received, and lists of technical problems solved. These metrics were heavily ascribed to all of the Laboratory S&T assessment efforts. Publication in peer-reviewed journals ranks high as an objective metric for scientific productivity. The NMT scientific staff published scientific and technical articles in widely ranging disciplinary fields during 1993-1994 (Figure 1). This is a particularly noteworthy accomplishment because during this period NMT Division came under tremendous external forces that distracted us from doing good science. Our operations were scrutinized by numerous audits and inspections. Budget shortfalls curtailed many essential programmatic activities.

It is heartening to see that a steady stream of technical reports has been processed through the division office even during this difficult time. As Division Director Bruce Matthews stated on one occasion, "It is essential that we focus on doing the actual science and technology committed to sponsors... Success in delivery will breed success in attracting out-year (immediate future) support." The goal of the Actinide Research Quarterly is to communicate our scientific and technical progress among ourselves and to the outside community in general. The Quarterly is here for you to use by submitting your ideas, success stories, technical articles, and other accomplishments. Let this be your vehicle for helping us to go back to the basics of doing good science.

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