Description: The presentation will begin with a brief overview of the integrated science enterprise, and then transition into four specific questions that have been posed by Argonne early-career staff:

1. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) science enterprise: What is its mission and how does that translate to expectations for scientists in the national lab complex? (How is it different from other research funding organization and what are the specific aspects that make research at national labs different than academia?)
2. How do divisions and program managers in DOE shape their programs, what makes their program successful, and how should an early- to mid-career scientist engage with them to build a solid science career?
3. How can an early- to mid-career scientist at a national lab propose new ideas and build a scientific reputation? (What does a scientist need to know in terms of timing, initial idea vetting, setting a broader context/vision, and other advice for socializing ideas and whitepapers?)
4. How important are multi-institution collaborations in Biological and Environmental Research (BER) programs?