OSELP: BUILDING A NETWORK OF DOE LEADERS

In 2016, DOE launched a program to develop the next generation of leaders in science and energy, national security, and environmental management. OSELP (formerly the Energy Sciences Leadership Group) was developed to introduce the next generation of DOE leaders to the breadth and depth of the National Laboratory system, expose them to the challenges and complexities of managing this system, and equip them with the knowledge, experiences and professional networks needed to succeed as DOE leaders.

Established under the leadership of Secretary of Energy Ernest Moniz, Under Secretary for Science and Energy Lynn Orr, and Deputy Under Secretary for Science and Energy Adam Cohen, the program was developed and implemented by White House Fellow Teeb Al-Samarrai in collaboration with DOE Senior Advisors Kevin Doran and David Catarious. Former Berkeley Lab Director Paul Alivisatos was an early and essential advocate for establishing a program to provide a system-wide perspective to exceptional and emerging National Lab leaders.  

The NLDC now stewards OSELP. The University of Colorado Boulder, through Professor Doran's leadership, manages the program, with NREL serving as the administrative coordinator. Professor Doran has served as the OSELP Director since 2018. 

Modeled on the Defense Sciences Study Group which was established 30 years ago, OSELP candidates are nominated by Lab Directors, reviewed and ranked by former Lab Directors and former DOE officials, and approved by the NLDC.  

There have been 4 OSELP Cohorts since its inception. The current, fourth Cohort, includes 18 exceptional and accomplished leaders from all 17 National Labs,