8-24-2016
Dr. Edmund J. Synakowski, Associate Director
Dr. James W. Van Dam, Director, Research Division
Office of Fusion Energy Sciences
Office of Science
U.S. Department of Energy
Dear Drs. Synakowski and Van Dam,
The High Energy Density Science Community in the United States, which includes members of HEDSA (High Energy Density Science Association), NIF (National Ignition Facility) Science Users Group, JLF (Jupiter Laser Facility) Users Group, and OLUG (Omega Laser Users Group), would like to respectfully petition for the issuance of a solicitation for the joint program in HEDLP for FY’17. We understand that execution of such a program, which includes the submission and a full merit review of all applications, would place a burden on both the Office of Fusion Energy Sciences and the community. We also know that any granting of awards would be subject to congressional appropriation. The community would like to express its view that a reliable and recurring cycle of such calls is the only way to foster healthy academic and small business researchers who can pace their work and productivity in order to make the field thrive continuously.
The community greatly appreciates the leadership role displayed by FES in nurturing the field of High Energy Density Science through the joint program, when resources have been available. The community understands that by issuing a call for the Joint Program in FY’17 FES would secure an avenue for continued funding for HEDLP in FY’17 or FY’18, depending on the outcome of the Federal Appropriations process.
We have asked all our members to sign this petition and you can find their signatures below.
Steering committee of HEDSA and the Chairs of the NIF, JLF and OLUG Users Groups.
Cc:
Dr. Cherry Murray, Director of the Office of Science, Department of Energy
Ms. Meyer Seligman, Energy and Water, Senate Appropriations Subcommittee
Mr. Perry Yates, Energy and Water, House Appropriations Subcommittee