Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility FAQs
I want to nominate a DOE national lab employee who maintains a joint appointment at a university and receives salary from the university. Are they still eligible?
The nominee’s mentoring achievements should solely consider activities relevant to WDTS-sponsored programs conducted at a national laboratory. Other mentoring activities are desirable, but not required. This award is not to reward mentorship conducted as part of research activities or teaching classes associated with the nominee’s position at an institution of higher learning.
Why are nominations from institutions conducting DOE sponsored research, other than DOE national labs, excluded from this opportunity?
The purpose of this award is to recognize scientists, engineers, and technical experts from the DOE National Laboratory system who have provided outstanding mentorship, promoted best mentoring practices, and helped sustain a vibrant mentor pool for workforce development at DOE national laboratories to advance the DOE mission.
I understand that eligible nominees must have a minimum of 5 years of employment history at a DOE national laboratory. Does this have to be 5 years at the same DOE national laboratory?
No. The 5-years employment history at a DOE national lab eligibility requirement is cumulative, and the nominee could have acquired this employment history at one or more DOE national laboratories.
I have an employee who will reach 5 years of employment at my laboratory after the deadline but in its same year, can they still be nominated?
No. Nominees must meet all eligibility requirements at the time of application, which is no later than by the nomination solicitation deadline.
Must the nominee be, or have been, an Office of Science (SC) sponsored research investigator?
No, nominees do not need to be sponsored by SC, but must have a record of science or technology activities supported by at least one DOE Office, which could be SC.
Selections and Funding FAQs
When will the Mentor Awards be announced?
Selections are announced following the external peer review and concurrence by SC leadership.
How may the Awardee use their award?
The award is to recognize excellence in mentoring for preparing a highly skilled scientific and technical workforce to advance DOE mission. The award funding may be used for the awardees’ research and mentoring related activities, including attending scientific meetings, hosting students or educators for training purpose at DOE national laboratories, participating in workshops or meetings to share best mentoring practices, and attending training to improving mentoring skills.
How many awards will be made annually?
The number will depend on Congressional funding appropriation for a Fiscal year.
Additional Information
Additional questions about the DOE Distinguished Mentors for Workforce Development Award may be addressed to SC.DOE-Mentors@science.doe.gov.
DOE employees must comply with regulations governing the conduct of employees codified in 10 CFR Part 1010 and Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch at 5 CFR Part 2635.
