Fermilab

From Nigel Lockyer: Six things you should know

January 17, 2017 | Nigel Lockyer

Nigel Lockyer

Last week, there was a full house in Ramsey Auditorium for the 50th anniversary kick-off for employees and an all-hands meeting. Highlights are below and the full presentation can be viewed here.

  1. Anna Grassellino and Eric Dahl each earned a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. The award is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists and engineers in the early stages of their independent research careers.
  2. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Fermilab. There is a robust schedule of events, programs, education and communication planned throughout 2017 to celebrate and recognize the lab’s achievements, as well as to look ahead to our next 50 years. The event schedule includes a community open house on Saturday, September 23, which will include behind-the-scenes tours of the site. To find out how you can help with any of the programs and events, visit the 50th anniversary website and select the “Employees and Users” tab on the left-hand side.
  3. As indicated by Fermilab’s first director Robert Wilson, June 15, 1967 is recognized as the first day of work at the lab, as well as our official birthday. This year on June 15 we’ll be celebrating with activities for employees and an enthusiastic social media campaign: #Fermilabs50th.
  4. All major projects continue to move ahead. LBNF will receive proposals on the main construction contract (CM/GC) for far-site work later this month. The PIP-II/India collaboration met in early January; R&D is currently proceeding on all fronts.
  5. Thank you to the security and fire departments for keeping us safe and secure and to FESS for keeping the lab’s roads, parking areas and walkways clear of snow and ice during the winter season. With continued wet weather forecasted for the Chicagoland area, please exercise caution when traveling in and around the Fermilab site and during your commute.
  6. Saturday Morning Physics has been a significant part of the lab’s education and outreach program for three decades. Thanks to Roger Dixon, Erik Ramberg and Suzanne Weber for their many years of effort. Welcome new co-leaders Sowjanya Gollapinni and Elliot McCrory. The program will now reside with Sandra Charles in WDRS, with Robert Bernstein as senior advisor.

Nigel Lockyer is the director of Fermilab.