​The Department of Energy's National Laboratories Big Ideas Summit (BIS) is an annual event designed to facilitate collaboration and strategic technical planning throughout the National Laboratory system. The Summit presents an opportunity for the senior leadership at Energy Department headquarters and the National Labs to work in partnership to address the nation’s most important energy challenges.
 
The BIS challenges the National Labs to develop early-stage, potentially large-scale solutions to national energy issues. The process facilitates collaborative, cross-Laboratory, multidisciplinary teams and provides a unique outlet for National Lab-generated ideas.
 
The 2017 BIS is the fourth summit in the series. On March 9 and 10, 2017, the Summit featured remarks from Secretary Perry and Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, presentations from National Laboratory teams on new Big Ideas, commentary from DOE and Laboratory leadership, breakout sessions and panel discussions, status reports from previous Big Ideas, and other complementary talks intended to spur discussions of new and/or bold ideas that can advance the Department’s energy priorities.