We have worked diligently to make our programs, workforce, and processes more inclusive, accessible, and equitable than ever before. While there is still progress to be made, I am proud of how far we have come. It is not just the new initiatives – RENEW, FAIR, and PIER plans – but also the hard work we have put into evaluating our culture and processes and making necessary changes.
I deeply appreciate the efforts of individuals across the office who are actively engaging with communities through office hours, site visits, and conference engagements. This demonstrates our dedication to ensuring that the federal resources we manage serve the public equitably. My hope is that the Office of Science will continue to be a place where everyone feels a sense of belonging and purpose, regardless of the role they play in enabling science.
As I move on from my position, I hope that the Office of Science will remain committed to educating, inspiring, and sharing the wonder of discovery with all stakeholders. Additionally, I believe that in a world facing the climate crisis, the office should strive to set an example by operating sustainably. I am hopeful that the Office of Science and DOE will continue to champion inclusivity and diversity in the scientific community.
Serving as the Director of Science has been the greatest honor of my life, and I am grateful to have worked alongside such dedicated colleagues. Thank you for making the past few years so meaningful.
Sincerely, Asmeret Asefaw Berhe