FPN11-60

Steve Koonin to Leave DOE November 18

November 9, 2011

Dr. Steven Koonin, DOE Under Secretary of Science, will be leaving the US Department of Energy November 18. He will be sorely missed by the fusion community since he has been especially active in the area of inertial confinement fusion. He arranged for the Academies of Science and Engineering to conduct a review of the potential of inertial fusion for energy applications. That study is still ongoing. He also has been conducting quarterly reviews of progress towards achieving fusion ignition in the National Ignition Facility (NIF). He was a recipient of Fusion Power Associates Leadership Award in 1994 for the guidance he provided to the inertial fusion program at that time.

Energy Secretary Steven Chu issued the following announcement:

_____________________________________________
From: Secretary Chu 
Sent: Tuesday, November 08, 2011 2:05 PM
Subject: Message from the Secretary

Dear Colleagues,

I write to let you know that Under Secretary of Science Steve Koonin has
informed me that he will be leaving the Department on November 18. 
Steve will be joining the Institute for Defense Analyses’ Science and
Technology Policy Institute.

Steve’s service has been integral to the successes of this Department
over the past two and a half years.  He has played a central role in
bringing the Department's deep technical capabilities in scientific
simulation to bear on the Nation’s energy challenges through such
initiatives as Exascale computing and the multi-scale simulation of
energy systems.  He has provided invaluable technical counsel to the
NNSA on nuclear security matters.  His leadership in developing the
Department’s Strategic Plan has given us a blueprint for addressing the
nation’s energy, environmental, and nuclear challenges through
transformative science and technology solutions.  Most importantly,
Steve led the first-ever DOE Quadrennial Technology Review, which
defines DOE’s technology policy role and gives us a framework to
strategically prioritize and balance the Department’s energy portfolio.

While we will miss Steve’s leadership, our Science enterprise will
continue to be well served by Dr. Bill Brinkman, Director of the Office
of Science, and the dedicated professionals who work with him.

The impressive work that has been accomplished by this organization is
due to the efforts of all of you – some of the most talented and
dedicated public servants with whom I have had the privilege of working.

Please join me in thanking Steve for his distinguished service.

Steven Chu