Editor’s note: The video of the Sept. 20 all-hands meeting is now available online.
Last week’s all-hands meeting was well attended (was it the ice cream?). We reviewed what’s been happening at the lab and addressed employee questions that were submitted prior to the meeting. Shawn Taher from our new food service provider gave remarks and Rob Roser, CIO, talked about multifactor authentication compliance. This column summarizes the highlights. Here’s a link to the full presentation.
- The LBNF/DUNE collaboration continues to shine. With more than 900 collaborators from 30 countries and 160 institutions, it is the largest new particle physics project in the world since the Large Hadron Collider at CERN. DOE recently approved CD3-a, the start of initial construction.
- Schedule and budget are important, but people are more important. Never compromise your safety for the sake of schedule or budget. Injury reports are down 50 percent over the last 10 years but we must remain diligent. Reporting injuries is critical and helps to fix future issues.
- FY17 budget outlook calls for an increase in project-related funding and a decrease in operations and research funding. We will continue to tighten our belts and use each dollar wisely. No labwide staff reductions are anticipated in the coming year.
- International efforts and partners remain a major effort for the lab. India, Italy, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Latin America are just a few of our top priorities this year.
- The lab’s 50th anniversary kicks off in January 2017 and events will be held throughout the year. This anniversary gives us the opportunity to showcase our science and accomplishments to a wider audience than ever before. Mark your calendars for the biggest community open house in the history of the lab: Saturday, September 23, 2017.