An emerging role for the national laboratories in materials research

Abstract

The mission of the Department of Energy National Laboratories should be expanded to include as an item of high priority collaborative research in support of high technology industry, including the materials industry. There are numerous reasons for doing this. The original missions of the laboratories, other than those of the weapons laboratories, have been deemphasized or disappeared. The laboratories have superior facilities, often unique, and high quality staffs experienced in the interdisciplinary approach to problem solving. Perhaps most important, domestic industry, especially high technology industry, should have this resource available if it is to meet the challenge of remaining competitive.