Berkeley Lab Leaders Participate in DOE AI in Operations Summit

Last month, 10 leaders from Berkeley Lab traveled to Santa Fe to attend the Department of Energy (DOE) Lab AI in Operations Summit. This event focused specifically on applying modern AI techniques to operational challenges across the national lab system — shifting the focus from IT to operational excellence.

Berkeley Lab’s delegation included representatives from the OCFO, Strategic Communications, Legal, IT, IPO, and EHS, reflecting the Lab’s growing commitment to innovative operational solutions.

The summit featured sessions on the current state and future promise of AI, alongside breakout groups organized by operational domains and cross-disciplinary topics. 

The gathering provided an important opportunity to brainstorm collectively with colleagues from other national labs. Participants exchanged ideas, shared experiences, and identified new areas where AI could accelerate operations, from automating workflows to improving decision-making.

“It was inspiring to learn how different Labs are deploying AI”, said James Basore,  Manager, Berkeley Lab Training, EHS Performance Support. “I particularly liked the hands-on demos which highlighted practical ways AI is being used to speed up knowledge-based workflows, increase capacity and support decision making.”

Unlike traditional IT conferences, the AI in Ops Summit focused specifically on operational functions, providing a fresh and practical perspective. The ideas and partnerships formed during the summit will help Berkeley Lab shape future strategies for integrating AI into its operational practices.

“It was exciting to see the innovation happening across the Labs and the strong momentum around using AI to enhance operations,” said Edna Annis, Deputy Chief Financial Officer of Berkeley Lab.  “The energy and engagement—especially in areas like finance and business systems—was inspiring.”

As AI technologies continue to evolve, Berkeley Lab remains committed to exploring innovative ways to make its operations smarter, more efficient, and better aligned with its scientific mission.