Welcome to Berkeley Lab’s new Web site for Laboratory-wide policies. We hope that the improved look, feel and, search capabilities will help you find the critical information you need in a timely fashion. This site is a work in progress, and we urge you to contact us at [email protected] if you have policy-related questions or suggestions for improvement.

[The Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL) Requirements and Policies Manual (RPM) sets forth the University of California and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory policies that help define a framework for Laboratory operations. The LBNL RPM derives its authority from Contract DE-AC02-05CH11231, Section C.4(d), Clause I.76, and Department of Energy Order 414.1c. This manual is not intended, however, to replace any of these driving documents.

Note that the Human Resources policies apply only to Lab employees who are not represented by an exclusive bargaining agent.  Employees who are represented by an exclusive bargaining agent should refer to their collective bargaining agreement (CBA). 

This RPM is authorized by Jim Krupnick, Associate Laboratory Director of Operations and Chief Operating Officer.]

The Requirements and Policies Manual (RPM) translates Department of Energy, University of California, federal and state regulations into actionable everyday terms for all Berkeley Lab employees. The RPM with Berkeley Lab’s values, Diversity and Inclusion Principles and its Standards of Ethical Conduct forms a framework that enables all community members to achieve the Laboratory’s mission. The Laboratory's mission statement, values, Diversity and Inclusion Principles, and the Standards of Ethical Conduct are summarized below for easy reference.

A. Berkeley Lab’s Mission:

The central mission of Berkeley Lab is to provide scientific leadership needed to carry out the world class science and technological innovation to support the programs and missions of the Office of Science (SC) and the Department of Energy (DOE). The Laboratory's mission addresses four distinct goals:

• To perform the highest quality multi-disciplinary research in the energy sciences, general sciences, physical sciences, biosciences and computational sciences in a manner that ensures employee and public safety and protection of the environment;
• To develop, maintain, and operate unique national experimental facilities that are available to qualified investigators;
• To educate and train future generations of scientists and engineers to promote the Department’s national science and education goals; and
• To transfer knowledge and technological innovations and foster productive relationships among Laboratory research programs, universities, and industry in order to promote national economic competitiveness.

From: DOE/UC Contract 31, Section C, Statement of Work, Section C.4.b(1).

B. Berkeley Lab’s Values:

• Overarching commitment to pioneering science
• Highest integrity /impeccable ethics
• Uncompromising safety
• Diversity in people and thought
• Sense of urgency

See: http://www.lbl.gov/LBL-PID/LBL-Overview.html

C. Berkeley Lab’s Diversity and Inclusion Guiding Principles

At Berkeley Lab, we are committed to conducting great science and fostering technological advancement to solve the world’s most challenging problems and to answer its most elusive questions.

Just as science reveals nature’s diversity, science organizations reveal their own nature by the diversity and inclusion they foster. Diversity of people and thought is part of our unique social fabric and a key to our research success. It is also a daily and personal commitment and an expectation.

Each employee has a role to play. Every employee has a responsibility to act.

We believe in the Laboratory’s mission to share the benefits of scientific discovery with the world.  We also respect the differences in our workplace community. 

In doing so, our actions are guided by the following principles:

• Listen to others and encourage collaboration.
  We are stronger as a group when our uniqueness is valued.
• Reach out if you see someone confused or in need.
  We are concerned about others.
• Treat others with respect.
  We believe in fairness for all.

Sincerely,
Paul Alivisatos 
Lab Director

D. Berkeley Lab’s Standards of Ethical Conduct

Berkeley Lab is part of the University of California (UC)community and embraces UC's Standards of Ethical Conduct. See policy Ethics and Conduct at Berkeley Lab in this Policy Manual.