Colleagues,
It has been the greatest privilege of my career to lead this Laboratory, and so it is with deep gratitude that I announce my plans to step down and retire by Summer 2026. The last nine years as director of one of the world’s best research institutions have been incredibly rewarding. I am consistently impressed by the extraordinary talent within our community. Your creativity and innovation, sense of collective purpose, ever growing commitment to our Stewardship Values, and unwavering dedication to the Lab’s mission have inspired me. I am immensely proud to be a part of this organization. I’ve prepared this short video message for you.
When I took this job, I thought I would stay in the position for about eight years, which I considered enough to make an important impact. Over time, I decided to extend that to ten years for a couple of reasons. The most important was to stay through the time that DOE made the important decision to award the University of California a five-year extension to manage the Lab. The extended management contract officially started June 1, 2025. In addition, all of us at the Lab experienced three years of disruption due to the pandemic, and I thought it important for me to stay for a significant time after that as we established our new normal.
Now, with the extended contract in place and our recovery from the pandemic complete, it is time to carry out the search for my successor. The search, led by the University of California Office of the President, will begin soon, and I expect that they will be able to announce the incoming Director some time next spring.
I have to admit that the other reason to stay as long as I have is because I love working with all of you on solving problems and advancing science. And I think that in the year ahead I am going to be busier than ever doing that. We have critical scientific outcomes and capital projects to deliver, and we are actively advancing several major scientific initiatives, including AI for science, quantum computing, and microelectronics. We must continue our deep commitment to cultivating a culture where every individual feels actively engaged and fulfilled, working on some of the nation’s most important research. I look forward to working with you to accomplish this vital work, and of course, to seeing you on my daily walks around the Lab.
Best regards,
Mike
