Skip to main content

The Quality of Science and Engineering at the NNSA National Security Laboratories (2013) / Chapter Skim
Currently Skimming:

6 Cross-Cutting Themes
Pages 45-48

The Chapter Skim interface presents what we've algorithmically identified as the most significant single chunk of text within every page in the chapter.
Select key terms on the right to highlight them within pages of the chapter.


From page 45...
... The committee found ample examples of productive communication, cooperation, and coordination across disciplines; between research and development and other programmatic activities; and within and among laboratories. Scientists, engineers, and managers with whom the committee interacted displayed a strong recognition that their work is interdependent and that cooperation across disciplines is essential to the nuclear weapons missions at the laboratories.
Read the entire page →
From page 46...
... The coupling of simulation and data is necessary to the ability to certify the stockpile. However, several of the committee's teams heard laboratory staff express concern about the difficulty in obtaining relevant experimental data because of the excessive formality of operations, with no real benefits, which in at least some cases leads to multiple approval steps before an experiment can be run.
Read the entire page →
From page 47...
... The laboratory directors, working with NNSA, should ensure a balance between small scientific facilities and the larger signature facilities at the laboratories appropriate for sustaining the nation's nuclear deterrent and addressing related national security threats within a tight budget profile. In general, the sort of strategic planning called for in this recommendation is not always apparent across the three laboratories.
Read the entire page →
From page 48...
... In general the laboratories continue to invest in the staffing pipeline, but sustaining the human infrastructure for S&E excellence is continually challenging. The committee notes some worrisome statistics in specific disciplines.
Read the entire page →

Key Terms

  • security laboratories
  • signature facilities
  • laboratories maintain
  • work environment
  • experimental facilities

  • redundant responsibilities
  • risk associated
  • safety risks
  • risk avoidance
  • continued support

  • laboratory staff
  • implemented strategies
  • academic performance
  • staffing pipeline
  • interacted displayed

  • past five
  • nnsa national
  • tight budget
  • larger signature
  • productive experimental

  • ongoing work
  • inadequate attention
  • continuing budgetary
  • petascale computing
  • requesting annual

  • laboratories indicated
  • causing uneasiness
  • postdoctoral programs
  • laboratories continue
  • committee noted


    • This material may be derived from roughly machine-read images, and so is provided only to facilitate research.
    More information on Chapter Skim is available.