Berkeley Lab Research SLAM 

The 2025 Berkeley Lab Research SLAM features 12 finalists, each giving a three-minute talk designed to make their cutting-edge research understandable and engaging for a non-specialist audience. This year’s event takes on a fun Clue theme, with entertaining emcees guiding the show. Together, they highlight the creativity, innovation, and impact of early-career scientists across Berkeley Lab.

Author Alec Nevala-Lee Presentation and "Fireside Chat" with Director Witherell 

Alec Nevala-Lee, author of a new biography of Luis Alvarez, "Collisions: A Physicist's Journey from Hiroshima to the Death of the Dinosaurs", visited Berkeley Lab for a presentation and fireside chat with Director Witherell. 

Alec will give a brief presentation on the life of Luis Alvarez, including his work at Berkeley Lab, followed by a chat with the Director, and time for Q&A.  Alec will also be available after the chat for a book signing.  

Replay: All-Hands Meeting with DOE Secretary Chris Wright 

Secretary Wright took an opportunity to share his love of science that started in childhood with the Lab community in an all-hands meeting during his visit to the Lab on Thursday, May 29. This passion to understand the working of the stars led him to a career in energy, working not only in oil and gas but nuclear, solar, and geothermal. 

He completed an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering at MIT and graduate work in Electrical Engineering at UC Berkeley and MIT. 

Berkeley Lab Director Mike Witherell announces his retirement plans

On July 23, 2025, as he announced his plans to retire, Mike Witherell, Director of Lawrence Berkeley National Lab (Berkeley Lab), offered his thoughts about the Lab's recent progress and the year ahead in this video message to employees. Witherell will stay on as Lab Director until approximately June 2026 while the University of California searches for a successor.

New AV Recording Studio 

The Lab’s IT Division manages the studio, which is built to handle both in-studio and Zoom guests. The studio has professional equipment and is all set up, so you can book your recording time and come to the studio ready to record. At the end of the session, the IT team will send you audio and video files that can be edited into a final product.

This video interview, direct from Building 50B, explains how several Lab colleagues are already using the new recording studio.

Learn more about the recording studio and how to make a reservation.