The Early Career Enrichment Program (ECEP) is a Lab-wide leadership development experience for ~24 early career researchers nominated each year by their Associate Lab Directors. These participants are recognized as rising leaders, often having secured competitive research funding (e.g., LDRD, DOE ECRP) and begun building their independent research programs.

ECEP supports them in broadening their networks, developing leadership skills, and understanding the wider institutional and scientific context for their work.

📅 Program launched in 2018 | 120+ participants to date | Currently in its 7th cohort

ECEP consists of two key components:

Area Visits

Each Lab research area, division, and user facility hosts the cohort throughout the year to:

• Showcase scientific and operational capabilities

• Build cross-Lab networks and awareness

• Facilitate interaction with division and facility leadership
  
  

🔗 [View a Sample Area Visit Agenda]

Leadership Development

Participants receive:

• One-on-one coaching from leadership professionals

• Expert panels on funding, strategic planning, and communication

• Peer discussions and informal learning opportunities

Each Area is invited to submit up to four nominees to participate in ECEP each year. 

• Nominations are submitted in the fall, for participation in the following year's program.

• Associate Lab Directors submit the nominees on behalf of their Area.

• Nominees may include those who have secured competitive research funding (e.g., LDRD, DOE ECRP), researchers working at the intersection of science and policy, and/or any other early-career researchers the Area feels would benefit from the program. 

• Early-career researchers who would like to participate in the program are encouraged to reach out to their leadership to express interest.