Office of Basic Energy Sciences
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Office of Basic Energy Sciences (BES) is a program within the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Science, dedicated to advancing fundamental research in the physical, chemical, material, and biological sciences that underpin new energy technologies. BES supports research that seeks to understand and control matter at its most basic levels.
Mission
The mission of the Office of Basic Energy Sciences is to foster fundamental research to expand the scientific basis for new and improved energy technologies and to understand, predict, and ultimately control matter and energy at the electronic, atomic, and molecular scales. This includes research into materials, chemistry, and geological processes that could lead to breakthroughs in energy efficiency and sustainability.[1]
Parent organization
BES is under the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science, which manages multiple research programs to advance scientific understanding in fields related to energy.[2]
Legislation
BES operates under the general mandate of the Department of Energy for scientific research, without specific founding legislation noted.
Partners
- Universities for fundamental research in materials and chemistry
- National laboratories for advanced facility use and collaborative projects
- Industry for technology transfer and joint research initiatives
Number of employees
The exact number of employees in BES isn't publicly detailed, but it involves scientists, researchers, and administrative staff across DOE's facilities.
Organization structure
BES includes:
- Materials Sciences and Engineering Division, focusing on material properties and synthesis.
- Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences Division, covering a broad spectrum of fundamental research.
Leader
BES is led by an Associate Director.[3]
Divisions
- Materials Sciences and Engineering
- Chemical Sciences, Geosciences, and Biosciences
Sub-Organization list
| OrganizationName | Mission | Employees | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| Center for Solar Fuels (CSF) | The mission of CSF is to develop technologies for converting solar energy into storable and transportable fuels through artificial photosynthesis. It focuses on creating efficient, cost-effective solar-to-fuel conversion systems that mimic natural photosynthesis to provide sustainable energy solutions. | 0 | |
| Inorganometallic Catalyst Design Center (ICDC) | ICDC's mission is to discover new classes of catalytic materials for energy applications, particularly through computational modeling and artificial intelligence, to understand and predict the structure-function relationships of catalysts. It aims to advance the science of catalysis for converting natural gas and other feedstocks into valuable chemicals and fuels. | 0 |
List of programs
- Energy Frontier Research Centers (EFRCs)
- Light Source Development
- Nanoscale Science Research Centers (NSRCs)
Dynamic table
| ProgramName | OrgSponsor |
|---|---|
| Energy Frontier Research Centers | Office of Basic Energy Sciences |
Last total enacted budget
Specific budget details for BES are not publicly detailed but are part of the DOE's Office of Science allocations.
Staff
The staff of BES includes researchers, program managers, and support staff, though exact numbers are not specified.
Funding
BES is funded through the U.S. Department of Energy's budget, supporting research projects, user facilities, and scientific instruments development.
Services provided
BES supports fundamental research in materials science, chemistry, geosciences, and biosciences, providing access to advanced scientific facilities like synchrotron light sources, neutron scattering facilities, and electron-beam microcharacterization. This research underpins advancements in energy technologies.[4]
Regulations overseen
BES does not oversee regulations but contributes to the scientific knowledge base that can inform policy in energy and materials science.
Headquarters address
1000 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, DC 20585, USA
History
The Office of Basic Energy Sciences has been a cornerstone of DOE since its formation, evolving from research into nuclear materials to a broad spectrum of fundamental science aimed at energy solutions. Significant contributions include pioneering work in X-ray science, neutron scattering, and materials synthesis.
External links
References
- ↑ Unknown (June 14, 2023). "BES Homepage". U.S. DOE Office of Science.
- ↑ Unknown (July 14, 2008). "Office of Science - Wikipedia". Wikipedia.
- ↑ Unknown (September 20, 2024). "Basic Energy Sciences". U.S. DOE Office of Science.
- ↑ Unknown (October 13, 2024). "BES Research". U.S. DOE Office of Science.