Actions Towards Building a Thriving & Diverse Fusion Energy Program

Overwhelming evidence shows the benefits of workplace diversity in achieving excellence in research, innovation, and performance. ORNL realizes that success in meeting the enormous scientific and technical challenge of rapidly developing fusion energy depends on our ability to build a culture that supports diversity, equity, and inclusivity in order to recruit and retain a broad array of talent. ORNL is taking a proactive approach in implementing new programs that promote diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) awareness and work practices.  Specific actions include the establishment of a Lab-wide DEI council, establishing outreach activities and protocols to ensure candidate pools for new positions are appropriately diverse, implementing fair hiring practices, providing staff with the awareness, training, and tools necessary to support an inclusive and respectful workplace, improving mentoring and coaching for all staff, and ensuring the input of all staff are sought out and their contributions valued. This presentation will outline the benefits of DEI in technical research, provide details of actions being taken at ORNL to improve its DEI posture, and discuss plans for how to measure progress.