Powering the Future Through Teamwork: An applied energy programs strategy collective

Powering the Future Through Teamwork: An applied energy programs strategy collective

Affordable and reliable energy is vital to the U.S. economy and national security. At the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory, hundreds of researchers and staff work across disciplines to realize that vision. To coordinate efforts, an informal team comprised of the extended leadership team of the Advanced Energy Technologies (AET) directorate and leaders across other research and operations directorates get together biannually for the AET Strategy Retreat — a powerful example of how collaboration fuels discovery and impact.

Convening experts who advance both the lab’s science and daily operations, AET’s lab-wide strategy collective envisions how the lab can tackle some of the nation’s toughest energy challenges, from securing domestic sources of critical materials to strengthening the power grid to advancing new manufacturing technologies. Their approach highlights how Argonne’s culture of teamwork turns discovery into real-world solutions.

“The energy sector is vital to the U.S. economy,” said Claus Daniel, associate laboratory director for AET. ​“To achieve a more affordable and efficient energy system, we must draw on the collective intelligence and capabilities of our entire organization to advance the nation and the world.”

“It’s about ensuring that we’re looking well beyond our own silos. Ultimately, we’re envisioning how we can raise the bar.” — Claus Daniel, Associate Laboratory Director, AET

A Culture of Collaboration

What makes this cross-laboratory strategy team special is not just its optimized impact, but also the way people work together, Daniel said. Scientists, engineers and operations staff from different parts of the lab bring unique vantage points to approach problems side by side, guided by a culture of respect.

“AET is uniquely integrated with other areas of the lab. This is a major strength of our directorate,” he said. ​“After all, excellence in executing applied research requires excellence in fundamental science and alignment with Argonne’s mission.”

At regular sessions, the team steps back from day-to-day work to align around the bigger picture. ​“We ask, ​‘Why are we here? What are the most important things we should do next? If we had no constraints, what problems would we tackle?’” Daniel said.

These intentional conversations foster understanding between research and operations, as well as other relevant parts of the lab, reinforcing the importance of every role in Argonne’s success, he added. ​“This increases everyone’s appreciation of the other team, and it reinforces the importance of their own role,” he said.

Turning Ideas into Impact

To translate vision into results, the group focuses on ways to maximize Argonne’s world-class facilities, foster cross-laboratory collaboration and build external partnerships. Their efforts have helped propel Argonne’s participation in the multi-lab Minerals to Materials Supply Chain Facility (METALLIC) project, helping de-risk critical materials and accelerate technology development. Their approaches have also continued to strengthen Argonne’s pioneering role in battery science and technology, positioning the U.S. for breakthroughs in energy storage. In addition, the group also has helped drive the signing of memoranda of understanding with organizations ranging from the Greater Houston Partnership to the State of Michigan to the University of Texas at Dallas, to extend Argonne’s reach into the U.S. energy ecosystem.

Looking Ahead Together

Daniel said he looks forward to what the multidisciplinary strategy team will continue to accomplish together, with focus, connection, and vision. Together, he said, we are using these AET Strategy Retreats to work across Argonne to advance the DOE mission and shaping the future of U.S. energy.

“It’s about ensuring that we’re looking well beyond our own silos,” he said. ​“Ultimately we’re envisioning how we can raise the bar.”

Argonne accelerates the science and technology that drive U.S. prosperity and security. Argonne staff are thinkers, builders, problem-solvers and caretakers — every person and every role contributes to the laboratory’s impact on the world. Members of AET’s strategy collective include Christopher Arges, Sue Babinec, Allison Bennett Irion, Hemant Bhimnathwala, Nick Bowes, Meridith Bruozas, Seth Darling, Michael Finder, Amy Harris, Sarah Higgins, Don Hillebrand, Henry Huang, Nwike Iloeje, David Johnson, Ted Krause, Greg Krumdick, Jim Miller, Inga Mockunas, Kathy Mora, Monica Neukomm, Julie O’Halloran, Michael Pamminger, Jackie Papiernik, Amber Peckler, Susan Podoba, Jay Pul, Aymeric Rousseau, Sibendu Som, Venkat Srinivasan, Sarang Supekar, Danielle Toste, Meltem Urgun Demirtas, Kristen Wahl, Thomas Wallner, Michael Wang and Mandy Youker.