Mission & Functions

Official Mission & Functions of the Office of Scientific Workforce Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and its Director

 

Mission

The Office of Science (SC) manages one of the Department of Energy’s (DOE) largest Program Offices and is one of the principal sponsors of U.S. basic research in the Federal government.  The mission of SC is to deliver the scientific discoveries, capabilities, and major scientific tools to transform the understanding of nature and to advance the energy, economic, and national security of the U.S. SC advances the scientific and technological foundations necessary to accomplish the DOE mission areas: efficiency in energy use, diverse and reliable energy sources, improved health and environmental quality, and fundamental understanding of matter and energy.

The SC research programs are carried out at DOE’s National Laboratories, other laboratories, universities, non-profit research organizations, and industry.  The SC research programs plan and execute some of the Nation's most critical, complex, and highest priority science initiatives, and construct and operate world-leading, open scientific facilities essential for advancing research in the physical and life sciences to ensure a competitive U.S. position in science and technology. The programs annually support the research and training of tens of thousands of researchers including students. SC also oversees ten world-class DOE National Laboratories, operated under contract, who collectively employ over 20,000 contractor staff.

In carrying out its mission, SC upholds the highest standards in the sponsorship, management, and conduct of research, including maintaining a culture of scientific integrity where scientific and technical information can be freely shared, consistent with privacy and classification standards, and Federal and DOE policies and a culture of respectful and professional behavior.

SC supports policies and practices that increase the participation of individuals and institutions currently underrepresented in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields that SC supports. SC is committed to fostering safe, diverse, equitable, and inclusive work, research, and funding environments that value mutual respect and personal integrity. Effective stewardship and promotion of diverse and inclusive workplaces that value and celebrate a diversity of people, ideas, cultures, and educational backgrounds is foundational to delivering on the SC mission. SC does not tolerate discrimination or harassment of any kind, including at institutions receiving SC funding, or other locations where activities funded by SC are carried out.

The Director of the Office of Scientific Workforce Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is responsible for:

  • Developing and coordinating SC-specific policies, plans, and procedures focused on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in SC-sponsored extramural research programs and facilities; and
  • Advancing organizational best practices for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in SC business practices and at the SC National Laboratories.  

 

Organizational Structure

The Office of Scientific Workforce Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion reports to the Principal Deputy Director of the Office of Science.

Functions

  • Serves as a principal advisor to the Principal Deputy Director, the SC Director, and other SC Senior Managers on developing and implementing SC strategies for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in SC-sponsored extramural research programs and through SC’s business practices for research management, establishing SC’s policies and guidance for oversight of the DEI efforts at the ten SC National Laboratories.  
  • Establishes processes and leads cross-SC working groups to analyze SC business practices and identify gaps and opportunities to advance DEI through SC’s research awards management and program management. Provides recommendations for changes to current business practices for SC Senior Management decision, including associated resource needs.
  • Develops polices, plans, and procedures to implement DEI related improvements to SC’s business practices, in collaboration with the Deputy Director for Science Programs, and other necessary SC organizational elements.
  • Serves as a recognized subject matter expert in institutional best practices and promising practices for advancing diverse, equitable, and inclusive work, research, and funding environments that value mutual respect and personal integrity. Shares knowledge of those practices with SC Program Offices and DOE National Laboratories through multiple communication mechanisms.
  • Develops and establishes guidance for the ten SC National Laboratories for their DEI strategies and associated data requirements, in collaboration with the Deputy Director for Field Operations.
  • Leads SC working groups to evaluate the SC National Laboratories’ DEI strategies and associated DEI efforts, including the periodic review of the Laboratories’ DEI efforts by external subject matter expert peer review panels.
  • Develops and implements strategies to promote DEI best practices at the DOE National Laboratories, including through hosting informational meetings and technical workshops.
  • Analyzes proposed legislation, Executive Orders, Executive Agency actions, laws, rules, and programs to determine potential opportunities for and potential impacts to the activities of SC. Develops the SC position and recommendations to SC Senior Management.
  • Represents SC and DOE on interagency committees, working groups, and task forces on DEI in the STEM workforce and DEI in institutions carrying out Federally-funded research and development, and related topics.
  • Coordinates with DOE’s Office of Civil Rights and Diversity regarding DOE’s oversight and implementation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 affecting SC’s financial assistance recipients.
  • Provides technical advice to SC Senior Managers to ensure effective SC implementation of the requirements for Federal and DOE DEI policies and procedures. Consults and collaborates with other Departmental elements, as appropriate.
  • Develops policies and procedures for SC Program Offices, in collaboration with the Deputy Director for Science Programs and other appropriate SC and DOE organizations, regarding to complying with SC and Federal conflict of interest (COI) and DEI requirements as they apply to external peer reviewers, and SC’s awards management practices.  
  • Champions SC’s interests regarding the development of DEI related policies, requirements, or initiatives by the Department, other Executive Branch agencies, or Congress affecting the activities funded by SC. Works to resolve disputes at the highest levels of the Department whenever necessary.
  • Supervises scientific, technical, and analytical staff of the office, including supporting professional development of staff.

 

EXCLUSION: The SC Office of Scientific Workforce Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is not responsible for receiving or resolving Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) internal civil rights related issues or complaints involving SC Federal employees. Please see resources available by the SC Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, Diversity & Inclusion Programs.