All three of the UC Affiliated labs are federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs), under the sponsorship of the United States Department of Energy. As such, the labs are owned by the federal government, but operated under long-term contracts by either the University of California alone, as is the case with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, or by UC as a member of a limited liability corporation, in the case of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and Los Alamos National Laboratory. FFRDCs provide research and development to the federal government that serves a national purpose because of the scope, necessary infrastructure, or multidisciplinary nature of the work.
The Department of Energy’s 17 national laboratories.
By The United States Department of Energy – https://www.energy.gov/articles/state-doe-national-laboratories-2020-edition, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=128655324
UC Affiliated National Laboratories
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Los Alamos National Laboratory was established in 1943 to conduct scientific research for the Manhattan Project, an allied effort that developed the world’s first atomic weapons. Its priority roles are serving as a nuclear weapons design agency and a nuclear weapons production agency; addressing nuclear threats; and performing national security science, technology and engineering.
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Founded in 1931 by Ernest O. Lawrence, the mission of Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) is to “expand the frontiers of knowledge and deliver solutions for science and humankind,” with a focus on discovery science and solutions for clean energy and a healthy planet.
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory
Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) was established in 1952 in the early days of the Cold War to meet urgent national security needs by advancing nuclear weapons science and technology. Since that time, LLNL has achieved breakthroughs in nuclear deterrence, counterterrorism and nonproliferation, defense and intelligence, and energy and environmental security.
Foundations
LANL Foundation
LANL Foundation invests in human potential in Northern New Mexico through the creation and support of education programs
Berkeley Lab Foundation
Berkeley Lab Foundation supports the research and expertise needed to solve the scientific and technological challenges that define our time.
Livermore Lab Foundation
LLF serves as a key philanthropic partner with LLNL, providing mechanisms for public and private investments, grants and philanthropic gifts that support research, innovation, workforce and STEM education initiatives at LLNL.
UC Office of National Laboratories
Within the UC Office of the President, the Office of the National Laboratories (UCNL) plays a central role in managing the University’s prime contract administration and governance at Lawrence Berkeley Lab and for the University’s governance of Los Alamos National Lab and Lawrence Livermore National Lab as a member of the two limited liability companies that manage those labs.
For all three national laboratories, UCNL assures that The Regents and the Office of the President have the information they need to effectively execute their responsibilities related to science, technology and engineering excellence and operations and business compliance and best practices while limiting the University’s liability exposure. In addition, UCNL connects the national laboratories with University resources, including research and collaboration opportunities, as well as business and operations expertise. As part of that effort, UCNL played the lead role in funding the revitalization of the UCLCC buildings.
