Big Ideas Lab Offsite Assignments
Dec 16, 2025
Explore the Offsite Fellows Program, where Lawrence Livermore scientists collaborate closely with government leaders to shape national defense strategies. Hear firsthand accounts of how these fellows navigate agency halls, bridging the gap between science and policymaking. Discover the challenges they face in communication and training, especially during remote assignments amid the pandemic. The program has expanded significantly, illustrating its vital impact on national security decisions and the career growth opportunities it creates for participants.
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First Day In D.C. Turned Crisis Deployment
- Stephen Creek arrived in Washington, D.C., for an NNSA assignment on September 11, 2001.
- He was immediately swept into urgent nuclear threat response and interagency coordination after the attacks.
Program Formalization Scaled Impact
- The Offsite Fellows Program formalized decades of Lab-to-government placements in 2018.
- Formalization expanded scale and created structured pathways for sustained policy impact.
Prepare Networks And Communication Skills
- Build a strong Lab network before accepting an offsite assignment to know where to draw expertise.
- Practice clear communication to translate technical concepts for non-scientific audiences.