December 23, 2002

The Department’s Unclassified Foreign Visits and Assignments Program 

The Department of Energy's national laboratories have diverse missions that range from national defense to fundamental research in the physical sciences. Each year, the laboratories host thousands of visitors and assignees from foreign countries, many of whom are researchers from local laboratories and educational institutions. Long-term assignments enable foreign nationals to participate in a broad range of unclassified activities. The Department and its international partners benefit from the exchange of information that results from the visits and assignments because they foster open communication, stimulate ideas, and enhance research.