Fermilab DirectorNigel Lockyer While this would normally be a “bye week” for my column, I wanted to take the chance to inform the entire laboratory community about this past weekend’s meeting of the Particle Physics Project Prioritization Panel (P5). The panel, chaired by Steve Ritz from UC Santa Cruz, is charged with developing an updated strategic plan for the United States that can be executed over a 10-year period in support of a 20-year global vision for the field. The…
Nigel Lockyer
Nigel Lockyer is the Fermilab director.
Fermilab DirectorNigel Lockyer The first public meeting of the newest incarnation of the Particle Physics Project Prioritization Panel — known informally as P5 — will take place this weekend at Fermilab. Our lab is honored to be the first to host the panel, which has been charged by DOE and NSF with developing an updated strategic plan for U.S. high-energy physics under various budget scenarios. The P5 process is critically important for Fermilab as it will guide the focus of…
Fermilab DirectorNigel Lockyer I start today’s column by expressing my appreciation for the commitment you are exhibiting in the face of continuing uncertainty. These are unprecedented times for the laboratory, and your focus on carrying out our scientific mission is commendable. The budgetary situation has not changed from that described in my email on Friday: Congress has not yet appropriated funds for the fiscal year that began Oct. 1, and while we have been continuing to operate at a reduced…
Fermilab DirectorNigel Lockyer As you are aware, our Chief Operating Officer Jack Anderson will be leaving Fermilab; his last day will be Friday, Oct. 4. In his 14 months here, Jack has performed admirably as COO and associate laboratory director (ALD) for operations. He made considerable progress in moving the laboratory forward, most notably in the contractor assurance and project management areas. I wish him well in his new position as deputy director for operations at Brookhaven National Laboratory. As…
Fermilab DirectorNigel Lockyer My goal over the last two weeks as the new director was to interact with as many members of the Fermilab staff and user community as possible. Many of you attended the seven “all hands” meetings, and I thank you for your helpful questions, comments and suggestions. I spent much of the time getting to know the laboratory, from a weekend visit with the operators in the Main Control Room to a tour of the impressive Lederman…
Director’s Corners will run every other week in Fermilab Today. The next column will appear on Tuesday, Sept. 17.
It is a privilege to be here on my first day as director of this great laboratory. My philosophy as I start my tenure is to develop and build on the platform of opportunities that you have constructed. This laboratory boasts tremendous talent, and there is a very rich menu of possibilities for us to apply our strengths to solve big scientific questions. Over the summer I have spoken to many different people and have heard overwhelming enthusiasm for the…