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Terms of Reference

Scope and Objective:

The objective of this Task Force is to provide appraisals and recommendations to the Secretary of Energy regarding the content and structure of science programs at DOE with an eye to identifying current and future opportunities to advance DOE's mission through coordinated and focused scientific research. The Task Force should directly address questions regarding strategies for positioning the Department's science program to meet future critical needs in terms of scientific opportunities in the 21st Century. The Task Force should assess current plans or policies that relate the Department's basic research with its mission. The Task Force should assess the Department's performance in coordinating science efforts within DOE and focusing them on the research needed to develop new or advanced technologies that support its energy and national security mission. The scope of this effort is all scientific work within DOE related to the Department's portfolio, including, but not limited to, the National Laboratories, and university research.

The Task Force will address other critical questions such as: What should be DOE's science priorities? In what directions should DOE's science program head in the future? Is DOE science structured to promote exploration of all scientific approaches to a problem?

Background:

In his mission and priorities statement for the Department of Energy, the Secretary declared the central role of science in fulfilling DOE's objectives in both energy and national security. Through his National Energy Plan, the President has articulated a vision for America's energy future and provided a road map for achieving that future. Critical to that vision is the role science and technology must play in improving the efficiency and environmental performance of the current mix of energy sources and in providing new approaches to meeting America's, and the world's, growing demand for energy. Now is an opportune time to step back and evaluate how DOE science relates to goals and strategies announced by the President and the Secretary of Energy.

Description of the Task Force's Duties:

This Task Force will articulate for the Secretary and the SEAB the critical role of basic science conducted or sponsored by the Department of Energy, recommend policy to ensure that DOE science will be excellent and at the cutting edge in the 21st Century, and recommend policy and practice to ensure that the mission and operations of the Department of Energy are served and enhanced by excellent contemporary science. In accomplishing their work, the Task Force may consider the following points:

1. Future directions in scientific research that will position the Department to meet its future mission objectives;
2. Actions that will enable the Department to be most effective in focusing its science activities on meeting critical missions in energy and national security;
3. Investment strategies for DOE basic research, including the mathematical, physical, biological sciences, computation, and engineering;
4. A strengthened pathway for coordination and cooperation of science activities within DOE, as well as between DOE's science activities and government science activities outside of DOE; and,
5. Ways to improve communication of the merits of DOE basic research to key decision makers.

Estimated Number and Frequency of Meetings:

This Task Force shall meet as required. In order to enhance members' knowledge and understanding of DOE science, the Department may organize site visits as needed. Additionally, the Task Force may hold meetings outside of Washington, D.C. as required to fulfill its mandate.

Membership:

The Task Force shall have at least eight members, including at least two individuals who are also members of the SEAB. The remaining members shall be appropriate experts in scientific fields of importance to DOE, business executives, and others with knowledge pertinent to the scope and objectives of this study, representing a balance of viewpoints. The Chairman of the SEAB, in consultation with the Secretary of Energy, shall appoint the Chair (or Co-Chairs), as well as all other members.

Duration and Termination Date:

This Task Force shall serve for approximately nine months, subject to the extension or dissolution by the Chairman of the SEAB.