The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the formation of the Office of Science Advisory Committee (SCAC), a new advisory group tasked with providing independent advice on scientific and technical matters within the DOE’s Office of Science.
This initiative is part of the Department’s efforts to implement President Trump’s Executive Order Restoring Gold Standard Science, which aims to make federal research more collaborative, transparent, and evidence-based. The goal is to rebuild public trust in science by ensuring that research conducted at the Department and its National Laboratories meets high standards.
“The establishment of SCAC underscores the Department’s commitment to scientific integrity and the power of partnership,” said DOE Under Secretary for Science Darío Gil. “By bringing together leading minds from diverse institutions, we’re forging a collaborative framework that will not only enhance our scientific endeavors but also accelerate the translation of fundamental research into tangible benefits for the American people. This committee exemplifies how shared vision and collective expertise are essential for navigating the complex scientific landscape of today and tomorrow.”
Under Secretary Gil appointed members who represent a wide range of expertise from academia, industry, philanthropic organizations, and National Laboratories. The committee will address interdisciplinary challenges, provide input on research priorities, and advise on initiatives such as fusion energy, quantum science, scientific discovery, and the Genesis Mission.
Persis Drell, professor at Stanford University and former director of SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, will serve as chair. The SCAC consolidates functions previously handled by six separate advisory committees within the Office of Science. All ongoing responsibilities from those committees will now be managed by SCAC to streamline expert guidance across programs.
A complete list of all 21 SCAC members can be found on the DOE website.
