Dr. Francis Thio will be responsible for the initiation of a joint program with the National Nuclear Security Administration in the area of High Energy Density Physics (HEDP) as well as retaining responsibility for the current HEDP program. Dr. Thio will also assume responsibility for the one (of two) basic fusion science center that does HEDP related work--the Center for Extreme States of Matter and Fast Ignition Physics led by the University of Rochester.

Dr. Sam Barish will take over as team leader of the ICCs program. He is currently responsible for the stellarator program, which is a major element of the ICCs program and he will also assume responsibility for some additional ICCs.

Dr. T.V. George will take over responsibility for a number of the ICCs.

Mr. Barry Sullivan will take over responsibility for the heating and fueling programs in the Enabling Technologies program However, because of Dr. George's significant knowledge of these programs, he will work to mentor Mr. Sullivan during a transition phase of a few months after which, Mr. Sullivan will take over full responsibility. During this mentoring process, both individuals should receive correspondence on these programs and will make decisions on a mutual basis. After this mentoring period, Mr. Sullivan will become the sole program manager having responsibility for these programs. In addition, Mr. Sullivan will be responsible for organizing the annual OFES budget planning meeting, starting next year, as well as taking over immediately as the OFES Small Business Innovative Research coordinator.

Dr. John Mandrekas, a recent addition to the OFES staff, will assume the role of program manager for the Scientific Discovery through Advanced Computing (SciDAC) and Fusion Simulation Project activities.

Dr. Rostom Dagazian will retain his role as program manager for some of the SciDAC projects. He would also assist Dr. Mandrekas during the transfer of responsibility. He would become deputy team leader of the theory team and would take on more responsibility in managing the theory program.

Specific allocation of responsibilities for the ICCs program will be determined soon in discussions between management and all OFES staff that have responsibility in this program area.

These changes represent the initial response to position the program for what promises to be a very exciting time for fusion energy. There will be personnel additions to address the ramp up in ITER as well as to fill potential gaps in staffing.