Washington, D.C. – The Department of Energy announced the recipients of the Secretary’s Honor Awards today, which recognize DOE employees and contractors for their service and contributions to the Department’s mission and the benefit of the Nation.

This set of awards represent one of the highest honors an employee or contractor can receive, and it’s a long-standing tradition to recognize the recipients at an annual ceremony at the Department of Energy Headquarters.

“Although we’re not able to host an award ceremony at this time, it’s important we recognize and celebrate these notable accomplishments,” said Energy Secretary Dan Brouillette.

A total of 32 Honor Awards are granted this year based on accomplishments from 2019. The Secretary of Energy Achievement Award was given to 24 teams, the Secretary of Energy Excellence Award was given to 6 employees, and the James R. Schlesinger Award was given to 2 employees.  Additionally, this year a category of awards focused on the accomplishments of DOE employees in support of COVID-19 pandemic response efforts. In this category, nine teams received the Secretary of Energy Achievement Award and one employee was awarded the Secretary of Energy Excellence Award.

Nominees’ contributions were assessed in a comprehensive evaluation and selection process that included endorsements from heads of Departmental Elements, evaluation by the Executive Resources Board for non-COVID-19 related nominations, and approval by the Secretary and Deputy Secretary.    

Advancements in researching crude oil characteristics, work toward achieving neutral carbon emissions, the efforts of COVID-19 clinical testing teams at the National Labs, and endeavors related to resourcing high-performance computing to combat the pandemic are just a few examples of significant impacts made by DOE employees who were recognized.

“I want to thank all the recipients for their vital contributions to the Department and our country,” said Brouillette.  “I am truly honored to work alongside such brilliant, talented individuals who show unwavering commitment to public service.  Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.”

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