PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE AT DOE LABS

Abstract

Some 100 catalysis researchers, mainly from 12 Department of Energy laboratories, gathered in Albuquerque late last month to better acquaint themselves with the range of government laboratory catalysis expertise, with an eye toward beneficial research collaborations. idea for the meeting came from Sandia National Laboratories catalysis researcher Nancy B. Jackson, who recently learned of major efforts on the part of European and other countries to organize, improve, and advance their catalysis research programs. The Dutch have NIOK [Netherlands Institute of Catalysis]. British have iAc [Institute of Applied Catalysis]. Israel has a catalysis program. And a number of these research organizations are already making alliances with U.S. industrial firms. What do U.S. catalysis researchers have to offer their industrial and government customers? Jackson asked. While many of the attendees agree that government labs, with their highly skilled personnel and state-of-the-art equipment, represent world-cl...